Common Skin Disorder (Acne)

Acne

a common skin disorder that often occurs during adolescence. It is caused by the overproduction of cells and sebum that combined to form a plug that blocks the hair follicles. Over time, the trapped sebum allows bacteria to grow in the follicle and eventually forms acne.

Process of the Production of Acne:

Excess cells+sebum (an oily substance secreted by  sebaceous glands)àformation of a plug àinfection with bacteriaà eruption of acne

In short, acne is caused by the blockage of hair follicles.

There are potentially two types of acne: blackhead and whitehead

Blackhead- occurs when the comedo is opened, meaning that it comes to contact with the air on the skin surface. This turns the comedo black due to the skin pigment.

 

Whitehead- occurs when the trapped sebum produces a whitish bump below the skin surface.

Treatment

Treatment for acne includes: retinoids, antibiotics, hormone therapy and isotretinoin. They all help to reduce the production of sebum that may block the hair follicles.