Acne, medically known as acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases. It typically affects, but is not limited to teenagers. Acne is caused when hair follicles attached to oil glands beneath the skin, called sebaceous glands that produce sebum that keeps the skin and hair lubricated, are blocked by a combination of sebum and naturally occurring dead skin cells. This blockage also provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that causes the skin to become inflamed and red in color; this is commonly known as a pimple. Causes of acne may include following: â€Hormonal activities: Increased hormonal activity, as in teenagers, is commonly associated with increased acne. Anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding also causes an increase in acne. â€Genetic Reasons: Some people are more susceptible to acne than others but with some exceptions most people do not suffer acne in same ways as their parents. â€Psychological Reasons: Psychological stress is sometimes associated with increased activity in sebaceous glands resulting in increased risk of acne although here is no direct proven association between stress and acne. â€Bacterial Infection: Blocked oil glands can cause bacterial infection and cause or increase acne. â€Dietary Reasons: There are some studies showing increased acne activity associated with cow milk. Some people also associate chocolate and fast foods with acne but there is no statistical evidence of such. â€Drugs: Some drugs including anabolic steroids, halogens, lithium and androgens are associated with increased acne. Treatments of acne involve cleaning, antibacterial treatment and use of agents that promote skin peeling and thereby open the pores. â€Cleaning: Keeping the skin clean and oil free can help in acne treatment. Use mild skin cleansers about twice a day. Do not scrub excessively as it can cause inflammation, thus providing no good result. â€Antibacterial Treatment: Antibacterial treatment for acne may include some gels and in more severe cases oral antibiotics. Bezoyl peroxide is one of the most common and effective antibacterial gel. The concentration of benzoyl peroxide in the gel should be between 5 to 10% and no more. The side effects may include dry and peeling skin. Antibiotics such as doxucycline, minocycline or tetracycline can also be used for acne treatment. â€Use of Exfoliating agents: Cleansers with fine granules or with mild concentration of salicyclic acid can promote skin peeling and open blocked pores. Vitamin A derivatives such as Retinol can also be helpful for this purpose. â€Most people are affected at one time or another by acne. The most important thing is to keep the skin clean and never prick, squeeze or pop the affected area.
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