Just What Is Acne And What Causes It To Appear?

Acne is a common skin condition which most often occurs during the teenage years. It's more commonly known as "pimples" or "zits" and usually appears on the face. Other parts of the body can be affected however, such as the back, neck and shoulders.

In spite of being considered a teenage problem, it can affect adults as well. And it has no boundaries - men and women are affected equally, as are all races, creeds and colors.

The full name for acne is actually Acne Vulgaris. The visible symptoms, which almost everyone is familiar with, are lesions that appear on the skin. These lesions can be cysts, whiteheads or blackheads that form from clogged pores.

The reason it's commonly seen during puberty is because at that age the body produces a larger amount of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum keeps the hair and skin soft and lubricated, but during puberty it is overproduced. This excess clogs pores and will often leave the skin feeling oily.

Another reason acne is common during puberty is an increase in follicle cells. When these cells die, they build up pretty quickly and when combined with the sebum, lead to acne.

When the two are mixed together, they form a perfect breeding ground for bacteria which ultimately ends up in the swelling and redness common to acne.

Acne affects roughly 85% of people between 12 and 24 years old. About 25% of those affected develop acne on other areas than just the face, the most common being the back and neck. 40% of people suffering from acne seek medical attention to help deal with severe outbreaks.

The most commonly affected area is known as the "T Zone" - the area on the face made up of the forehead, nose and chin. It can affect other parts of the face such as the cheeks, however.

The back is the next most commonly affected part of the body, followed by the shoulders, neck and chest.

Most people's acne clears up by the time they are in their 20's but in some cases it can continue throughout adulthood. Some people even have the first appearance after they are adults.

Article Source: Main Articles

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