Acne Facts

Skin facts

The normal skin is composed of two parts. The upper part is called the epidermis and is composed of skin cells. These cells continually divide,grow,and mature. As they reach the surface of the skin they flatten,die and are then shed. The deeper part of the skin is called the dermis and is composed mainly of collagen,which supports the epidermis. Within the collagen are the nerves,blood vessels and other structures that comprise the skin.

The whole surface of the skin, except for the palms and soles, is covered in small skin pores. Each pore is the entrance of a small, flexible tube that runs through into the dermis and represents the canal through which the hairs grow to the surface.

Each hair canal is associated with a sebaceous gland,which produces an oily substance,called sebum. The sebum is pumped into the hair canal and from there onto the surface of the skin,where it lubricates the hair and protects the surface of the skin.

Acne is a skin disease

Acne occurs in and around the pilosebaceous follicle, consisting of the hair canal, the tiny hair and the sebaceous gland.

What causes acne is not fully understood,but many dermatologists believe acne is not a hormonal disease, even though it is related to the levels of the male hormone, testosterone. It is generally believed that acne occurs because the oil gland becomes overly sensitive to the male hormone present. With the increased sensitivity of the gland to the male hormone, more oil is produced in the follicle.

Another cause may be due to a change in the constituents of the oil being produced by the sebaceous gland. Instead of floating off, dead cells become very sticky and adhere to the inside of the canal. Over the period of months and years these dead cells build up and cause a partial blockage in the hair canal, that leads to blackheads, whiteheads and then, eventually, inflammatory spots, papules, pustules and cysts of acne.

In all hair canas, bacteria are present. These are normal residents within the hair canal and are present in everybody. As the oil accumulates in the follicle,these bacteria start to multiply and produce chemicals that will lead to inflammation. The whole area becomes inflamed and this leads to the first inflammatory spot of acne,which is red spot or papule.

Acne can occur anywhere on the body apart from the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The commonest sites to get acne are the face, neck, chest, back, upper arms and buttocks.

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