Acne is a skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. Acne occurs when there is an excessive secretion of sebum, a substance from the hair follicle. The excess secretion becomes the target for dust and bacteria to accumulate and develop into acne later on.
Acne can affect people of all ages and races. But the incidence of acne is very high in adolescents. According to studies, nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop acne to varying degrees.
During adolescence, a person's hormonal levels are increased and they stimulate the sebaceous glands attached to the hair follicle. As a result, a greater amount of sebum is secreted.
Between the ages of 10 and 13, young people are most vulnerable to acne. Normally acne usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although there are many cases where acne is experienced later in life.
People with poor hygiene are at risk of developing acne. Because acne is caused by bacteria, people who are exposed to dust and dirt and don't wash their face at bedtime are likely to develop acne. Also, a person who uses dirty pillowcases has a higher risk of acne.
Acne can also be inherited. Thus, people with a family history of acne are also at risk of developing acne.
People taking certain medications, such as those used to treat epilepsy and depression, may be at risk for acne.
Acne affects both men and women. But men are more likely to get more severe and long-lasting acme than women. Even then, more women have a close relationship with their dermatologist than men.
Intermittent acne affects women due to hormonal changes that usually accompany their menstrual cycle. This form of acne is also caused by overuse of cosmetics. Some cosmetics, especially those that are not oil-free or non-comedogenic, can attack the pores of the skin and develop acne later on.
More women than men become infected with perioral dermatitis characterized by small pustules and papules on the chin and around the mouth.
Men and women who like to wear tight hats, backpacks, jeans, or other tight gear and paraphernalia are at risk of developing acne, as friction from the skin can cause irritation and eventually cause acne breakouts.
Middle-aged adults are most likely to develop acne rosacea. The effect of this type of acne includes red face and nose due to inflamed bumps.
Infantile acne affects newborn babies. This is a mild form of acne caused by fetal hormones. After a few weeks, childhood acne will disappear on its own.
More men suffer from a severe form of acne called Acne conglobata. This type of acne is an advanced form of nodular cystic acne vulgaris and can seriously affect the face, chest and back.
Another interesting study states that the incidence of acne is higher in Caucasians than in other colors.
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