FAQ

1. What Exactly Is Acne?
   
   Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands which secrete oil onto the skin and which lie in the dermis, the layer of skin just under the epidermis (surface layer). Acne is caused when dried sebum, flaked skin and bacteria collect in skin pores forming a "plug" which blocks the oil from flowing up through the pores. If this blockage is incomplete, a blackhead appears; if the blockage is complete, a whitehead appears. At the same time, bacteria can grow in the plugged pores, further irritating the condition. These irritated blackheads and whiteheads produce what is commonly known as acne. If left untreated, or if the infection and irritation gets worse, an abscess may form.
   When the pores are blocked and pimples and pus-filled blisters (pustules) form without abscesses, the condition is called superficial acne; when inflamed pimples erupt downward into the underlying skin and pus-filled cysts appear or develop into abscesses, the condition is called deep acne. In deep acne, the infection may spread, causing red, raised, inflamed areas, cysts and abscesses which may rupture or leave scars.



2. Can Anyone Get Acne?
   
   It is estimated that acne affects as many as 70 million people of all ages, at a treatment cost estimated at well over $300 million per year. Teenagers are often more prone to acne due to an increased production of sex hormones called androgens, which regulate the activity and size of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands inside the pores or hair follicles. Women may get acne with each menstrual period due to a change in hormones, and it may clear up or worsen during pregnancy. Anyone using anabolic steroids is likely to worsen their acne, and certain cosmetics may cause or aggravate acne by clogging pores. Some people feel that diet plays a role in acne; however, extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between eating fried foods or chocolate and acne.



3. What causes acne ?
   
   Acne occurs when the hair follicle pores become blocked. The oil called sebum builds up inside the pore and becomes infected with bacteria. When the infection remains under the skin surface, it develops into a whitehead. When the infection partly reaches the surface and changes color, it develops into a blackhead.



4. Shouldn't I just try to eliminate sebum from my body ?
   
   No. When it isn't blocked in your pores, sebum helps keep your skin healthy.



5. Why does acne usually start at puberty ?
   
   No one knows for certain. What is known is that the sebaceous glands that produce sebum get much larger at puberty than they were before.



6. Why does the skin around a pimple turn red ?
   
   This redness is caused by the body's inflammatory response. Inflammation is a sign that your immune system is working to fight an infection. However, the inflammatory response doesn't always work perfectly, and can even be the cause of scarring.



7. Do only teenagers get acne?
   
   No. Rarely, babies are born with acne and some people get acne for the first time after they’ve reached adulthood. Most people outgrow acne; but in women it may last until the menopause.



8. Do sweating and humidity make acne worse?
   
   Both of these can make acne worse - for the same reason. Both sweating and humidity can cause hydration and swelling of the ductal blockages, which can precipitate the inflammatory phase of acne.



9. Does stress cause acne?
   
   No. Stress doesn't cause acne but it can aggravate it. It is, of course, possible that the acne itself could cause stress! But generally, if the acne is being treated properly, stress should not have much of an impact. percent of women older than 40 may still be troubled by acne. Only 1% of men in a similar age group have acne.



10. How often should I clean my skin?
    
    Hand wash skin twice a day with a mild soap, pat dry, and use appropriate acne treatment. Remember that acne is not caused by dirt or surface oil.



11. What must I do if I forget to take my oral medication?
    
    An easy way to remember to take your medication, is to associate it with a routine daily event such as brushing your teeth. Keep your medication next to your toothbrush or on the breakfast table.



12. Is acne caused by dirt?
    
    No, it isn't. The black of blackheads is due to the pigment of the plug of cells blocking the hair duct. In fact, people with acne wash their faces more often than people who don't.



13. Is it true that acne becomes worse before periods?
    
    Many women have noticed that their acne flares up in the two - seven days before the onset of their periods. This is largely due to the changes in their hormone levels at this stage in the menstrual cycle.