Acne is the visible end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take place at the level of the oil pore (pilosebaceous follicle) Acne affects between 17 million and 45 million people, making it the most common skin disease in the United States. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. It is caused by a disorder of the oil glands that results in clogged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly known as pimples. Some infants may develop acne, but it is most common in adolescents and it generally disappears by age 30. Some adult women experience mild to moderate acne due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, their menstrual cycles, or starting or stopping birth control pills. Acne is rarely a serious medical condition, but it often causes emotional distress and can lead to scarring of the skin. With the right treatment, you can often keep acne under control. Measures also can be taken to reduce scars left by acne.

Acne is a skin problem that usually happens in your teens. Women are generally affected at a younger age, the peak severity being between ages 17 and 18, while men peak between 19 and 20 years old. While it tends to last longer in females, males are more likely to get acne and tend to have more severe cases than do females. These factors lead to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Although it is not a serious health threat, severe acne can be painful and may cause permanent scarring, which can be upsetting for people who suffer from the condition. An estimated $100 million is spent annually on over-the-counter products to treat acne and reduce the pain, scarring, and emotional distress that can be associated with it.

Causes of Acne

The common Causes of Acne :

Factors that can cause an acne flare include :

Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats).
Squeezing or picking at blemishes.
Stress.
Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts.
Hard scrubbing of the skin.
Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms.

Symptoms of Acne

Some Symptoms of Acne :

Whiteheads.
Blackheads.
Pus-filled lesions that may be painful.
Nodules (solid, raised bumps).
The largest spots are more likely to leave lasting scars.

Treatment of Acne

These are antiseptic liquid cleansers, sometimes similar to the ones surgeons use on their hands before performing an operation. It is thought that these may be helpful, particularly combined with another form of treatment.
There is a hormonal treatment , that helps clear acne in some women, and also acts as a contraceptive.
There are other chemicals sometimes used in creams and gels such as: salicylic acid, nicotinamide, and azelaic acid.
Creams, lotions etc., based on Vitamin A eg tretinoin, isotretinoin and adapalene. These, as with benzoyl peroxide, irritate the skin. You should start off on a low strength and build up as the skin gets used to it. These preparations can also be used to get rid if wrinkles! These should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding.
In the UK these may only be prescribed by a skin specialist (dermatologist). These are very effective, also very expensive, and have a number of potential side effects, but for severe cases are thought to be worth while.

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Infectious Diseases

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