Acne

Last updated September 2009
Edited by: Guy Slowik, FRCS

Putting It All Together

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to acne.

  • Acne is a skin condition caused by overactive oil glands.

  • Acne usually occurs in people during their teen and young adult years.

  • High production of male hormones stimulate overproduction of oil.

  • Skin bacteria unicellular microorganisms that occupy a wide variety of niches, including the human body can contribute to the problem by reacting with the oil.

  • Whiteheads small flesh-or white-colored bumps due to skin pore blockage; the blockage in the pore is deeper than in a blackhead, blackheads dark formations on the skin due to an accumulated mixture of oil and cells in a blocked skin pore; the pore is clogged close to the surface of the skin and cysts will occur from pore an opening on the skin that contains a hair follicle blockage.

  • Early treatment of acne has a high success rate.

  • Topical creams of benzoyl peroxide,antibiotics substances that prevent growth of microorganisms, or retinoids Retin-A; Vitamin A acid are effective treatments for acne.

  • More severe acne cases require oral antibiotics or a synthetic (made from chemicals) vitamin A (essential for growth of healthy skin).

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