What is Acne?
Acne is a chronic skin condition that causes spots to develop on the skin, and is thought to be caused by changes in the hormones which are triggered during puberty.
In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum, which is used to lubricate the hair and the skin in order to stop it trying out. With acne, the excess sebum will mix with the dead skin cells and form a plug in the follicles.
Bacteria which then live on the skin can contaminate and infect the plugged follicles, resulting in papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
How common is Acne?
Acne is the most common type of skin condition and affects many teenagers and young adults. Around 80% of 11 to 30 year olds are affected by acne, and most people will suffer repeated episodes for several years. Symptoms usually disappear when a person reaches their twenties.
What are the symptoms of Acne?
Acne occurs on the face for 99% of sufferers, the back for 60% of sufferers, and the chest for 15% of sufferers.
Acne causes six main types of spots- blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
How is Acne treated?
Treatment of acne depends on the severity of the condition, and may include gels and creams and antibiotics.
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