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Teenage Acne beyond Forty and Fifty?

What is acne?

Acne’s most common form is known as acne vulgaris, which means "common

acne". Acne is generally referred to as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, zits and blemishes. More severe forms of acne, known as acne cysts and acne nodules, can

cause scarring. There is no scientific evidence to support this, but research has

shown that millions worldwide are affected by acne. While teenage acne is very common, the condition affects many people well beyond their 30’s, 40’s and even

50’s. Even babies can get acne.

It is a skin condition which occurs when the healthy hair follicles of the pores on the

surface of the skin become clogged. Each pore has a hair follicle (small canal) which connects it with an oil gland (sebaceous gland). The glands produce sebum, which

is an oily liquid. The function of the oil is to naturally lubricate and protect the skin

by moving dead skin cells to the surface of the skin via the follicles, thus keeping

the skin smooth. When too much oil is produced it results in clogged follicular openings (pores). An over production of oil is triggered by various conditions. These

include, but are not limited to:

During puberty, mostly due to elevated levels of the hormone testosterone in

both sexes which stimulate the oil glands.

Lots of sweating and high humidity levels.

Changes in hormones brought on by stress, pregnancy, menstrual periods, etc

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Drugs can either cause or aggravate acne. These medications include, but

are not limited to steroids (Deltazone, Liquid Pred, Prednicen, Orasone), or medications which contain iodides and bromides. Other drugs include Eskalith

and Lithobid which are used to treat bipolar disorder. Majority of acne cases

are not related to medications however.

Oil based skin-care and cosmetic products can aggravate the condition. Rather choose a water-based product which won’t clog your pores. Some

products have “non-comedogenic” printed on the label; making it easier to

find the right product.

No established evidence exists to link acne and diets high in refined sugars to

the development of acne; foods like pizza, fried foods and chocolate are just not advised for maintaining good overall health.

Some cases indicate that the pressure caused by suspenders, chin straps,

collars and helmets can worsen acne.

Acne also runs in the family. Chances are if your parents suffered from acne,

so will you and your siblings.

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Known symptoms of acne:

Acne generally affects the face, neck, shoulders, back and chest. Many however

have been afflicted with acne on their arms, legs and buttocks. Bacteria are not the cause of acne, but when bacteria, dead skin cells and dirt build up, the result is

congested pores. The different types of acne pictures below help to identify the

acne type you may be experiencing:

Non-Inflamed Acne:

Whiteheads or blackheads, also known as comedones (koe-muh-DOE-neez).

Whiteheads form when pores get totally blocked but generally have life spans of

only a few days which means they quite quickly resolve. Blackheads are the

consequence of partially blocked pores and occur when only some of the mixture

consisting of oil, bacteria and dead skin cells are allowed to escape through the

surface of the skin. The coloration happens when a natural occurring pigment called

melanin reacts with oxygen.

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Inflamed Acne:

Cystic lesions (cysts) is a severe form of common acne (acne vulgaris), and form

below the skin’s surface. Is the result of clogged hair follicles, which is caused by

build-up of excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. The acne cysts are large, hard bumps filled with pus. The cysts tend to be quite painful and long-lasting. Popping

these will only bring on more pain, and could get inflamed; possibly leading to

scars. Probably the best option in getting rid of cysts is to consult with a dermatologist who will advise on the appropriate treatment to ease the pain and

reduce the swelling.

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Acne Conglobata is a highly inflammatory chronic and severe form of acne

vulgaris. Acne conglobata usually affects mostly men between the ages of 18 and

30 years. Found on the neck, face, chest, upper arms and buttocks, they present

themselves in groups of 2 or 3 blackheads (comedones). Inflammatory nodules,

engorged with a mixture of serum and pus, form around the comedones.

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Acne Fulminans, also known as acute febrile ulcerative acne or acne maligna, is a

rare and very severe form of acne conglobata. Acne fulminans either develops when

acne conglobata is not treated effectively; or the individual already has some form

of inflammatory acne.

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Gram-Negative Folliculitis, an acne-like skin disorder, (characterized by pustules

and cysts), is a bacterial infection.

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Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans) is another rare, but severe form of

acne that only affects females between the ages of 20-40 years. What is rather

scary about the condition is the fact that it just starts out of the blue, and can affect

females who have never even had acne.

The symptoms include unsightly and painful pustules, cysts and red bumps

(nodules) which suddenly appear on the chin, cheeks and forehead.

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Acne during pregnancy is quite common. Pregnancy and acne breakouts go hand

in hand for more than 50% of women. While anyone can get acne, those more

prone to acne breakouts during pregnancy are the ones who have had acne previously and also experience a flare of acne at the start of their menstrual cycle.

Generally speaking acne outbreaks are mild to moderate; some women do however

experience severe acne during pregnancy. Acne typically starts in the first trimester; chances are that you will not experience acne during your pregnancy if it

does not develop during the first trimester.

Baby, newborn baby or neonatal acne is just as common as pregnancy acne, and also harmless. Resembling teenage acne, it generally appears on the cheeks,

chin, and forehead, and can last from a few weeks to months. Baby acne is usually

characterized by red bumps.

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Many different reasons are quoted, including:

Exposure to hormones from the mother while still in the womb

medications taken by the mother while still nursing medications given to the baby

Acne in infants almost always clears up spontaneously and quickly. When in doubt

however, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician.

To read more about other illnesses and conditions, visit

http://www.sicknessnhealth.com. Learn how to cure a hangover, or

maybe you want to know how to cure an overactive bladder? If however

you believe laughter is the best medicine, you will find this hilarious!

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