DR MAXWELL ADEYEMI

Acne is a very common skin condition that causes pimples. There are a variety of causes including genetics, fluctuating hormone levels, stress, high humidity and using oily or greasy personal care products. Acne commonly affects teenagers but can occur at any age

Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked by hair, sebum (an oily substance), bacteria and dead skin cells. Those blockages produce blackheads, white heads, nodules and other types of pimples. It is the most common skin condition that people experience. It is estimated that 80 per cent of people ages 11 to 30 will have at least a mild form of acne, and most people are affected by it at some point in their lives. This condition can be a source of stress, low self-esteem and significant psychological issues especially in teenagers and females.

Though it mainly affects teenagers and young adults undergoing hormonal changes, many people continue struggling with acne into their 20s, 30s and beyond. Some even develop acne for the first time as adults.

Common sites

The most common spots where you might have acne are your face, forehead, chest, shoulders and upper back. Oil glands are all over your body, but those are the places where there are the most. Acne can be mild (a few occasional pimples), moderate (inflammatory papules), or severe (nodules and cysts).

Types of acne

Acne can take several forms. They include:

• Blackheads: Open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. They look as if dirt has deposited in the bump, but the dark spots are actually caused by an irregular light reflection off the clogged follicle.

• White heads: Bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin.

• Papules: Small red or pink bumps that become inflamed.

• Pustules: Pimples containing pus. They look like whiteheads surrounded by red rings. They can cause scarring if picked or scratched.

• Fungal acne: This type occurs when an excess of yeast develops in the hair follicles. They can become itchy and inflamed.

• Nodules: Solid pimples that are deep in your skin. They are large and painful.

• Cysts: Pus-filled pimples. These can cause scars.

[caption id="attachment_996135" align="alignnone" width="510"] Dr Maxwell Adeyemi -[/caption]

Causes of acne

Acne is largely a hormonal condition that’s driven by androgen hormones, which typically become active during the teenage and young adult years. Sensitivity to these hormones combined with surface bacteria on the skin and fatty acids within oil glands can result in acne.

Certain things can cause acne or make it worse:

• Fluctuating hormone levels around the time of a woman’s period.

• Picking at acne sores.

• Clothing and headgear, like hats and sports helmets.

• Air pollution and certain weather conditions, especially high humidity.

• Using oily or greasy personal care products like heavy lotions, cream