A Guide To Acne

A guide to acne

Acne vulgaris is an inherited inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands. Its characteristics are:

• Greasy, shiny skin with enlarged pores
• Inflammation in and around the sebaceous glands
• Papules (small rasised solid pimples)
• Comedones (blackheads)
• Pustules (a small pus filled blister or pimple) and in severe cases, cysts and nodules.

Acne vulgaris mainly affects adolescents between the ages of 14 and 20 however, adults can easily develop a stubborn case of adult onset acne which is just as difficult to treat and control. 

Although we all suffer from this unwanted and extremely unpleasant condition at some point in our lives, how much do we really know about acne? Over the next few days I will be explaining the hardcore facts. From the process that a simple spot undertakes to produce a severe cyst, to the treatment and home care advice required to banish painful pimples completely.

Today we start our guide by taking a look at how acne vulgaris is formed.

The stages of acne

• Acne begins to develop when an increase in hormone production stimulates the sebaceous glands during puberty.
• The increased sebum production causes a blackhead to form in the sebaceous duct. As the mouth of the follicle is blocked, the free flow of sebum is prevented and as a result the plug of sebum turns black once exposed to the air.
• Hyperkeratinisation takes place. This is when an accelerated cell production within the basal cells lining the follicle are constantly being shred from the follicle walls.
• A papule (a small, raised, solid pimple or swelling) is caused by the distension and inflammation of the sebaceous gland. This arises when the excess sebum leaking through the weakened walls of the sebaceous duct spreads in to the surrounding tissue and, a blockage of the follicle opening occurs.
• A pustule (a small blister or pimple containing pus) is formed when the papule becomes infected with the propioni-bacterium acnes. Although propioni-bacterium acnes is present on the skin with or without acne, it multiplies rapidly under certain conditions.
• The bacteria then excrete (separate and expel) an inflammatory fatty acid by-product, blocking the follicle completely. As a result, acne lesions are produced in the form of nodules (a small abnormal swelling) and in severe cases, deep painful cysts. The visible characteristics of cysts are very much similar to those of a boil. Often located on the back of the neck, this is a very painful and slow healing case of acne.
• When the follicle ruptures near its lowest point a cyst is formed. As a result, ice-pick type scarring may occur due to the inflammation in the dermis destroying collagen and elastin. 

It is important to note that the incidence of acne in both sexes is similar. Although most cases have successfully cleared by the age of 25, it is vital to control the condition at an early age as the longer it remains the more stubbornly it resists treatment. I always recommend seeking medical advice via your GP before allowing a beautician to perform a facial procedure on infected and highly irritated skin.