Acne is skin condition that is very common and appears as outbreaks of small bumps known as pimples or zits. Acne develops when excess sebum (an oil that our bodies produce to naturally moisturize the skin), skin cells, and bacteria accumulate on the surface of the skin.
Acne can be categorized by its severity. Mild acne describes a few scattered comedones (whiteheads or blackheads) with minimal inflammation (no pustules). This may be referred to as “comedonal” acne. Moderate acne describes a denser collection of comedones as well as red, inflamed, pus-filled lesions (pustules). Severe acne, also called nodular or cystic acne, describes widespread and deep lesions that are painful, inflamed, and red. This form of acne is likely to lead to acne scars if left untreated.
Acne Resources
Acne in Teenagers
Almost every teen can expect to get acne at some point during adolescence, but that doesn’t make it easier to bear. The emotional toll of acne is a familiar problem for many young people and can wreak havoc on adolescent self-confidence. Fortunately, almost all cases of acne respond to appropriate acne treatment.
With the onset of puberty, men and women begin to secrete increased amounts of sex hormones, including male hormones (androgens), which are believed to be important in acne development. Precisely because men secrete greater amounts of male hormones, they tend to have more severe cases of acne than women. This increased hormone production is also believed to be responsible at least in part for the oily skin of which many acne sufferers also complain.
Adult Acne
Acne can persist well into one’s 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Dermatologists call acne that does not clear by one’s mid-20s “persistent” or “adult acne“. Often causing deep-seated, tender, inflamed pimples and nodules, this type of acne is more common in women. Persistent acne tends to form on the lower face, predominately around the mouth, on the chin, and along the jawline.
Adults also develop late-onset acne. Again, women are more susceptible. People who have not had acne for years can suddenly see deep-seated, inflamed pimples and nodules. Even those who have never had acne get late-onset acne. For some women, acne becomes a problem during menopause. Adult-onset acne generally forms on the chin, jawline, and around the mouth. Lesions can appear on the chest and back.
Researchers have discovered that fluctuating hormones, discontinuing birth control pills, taking certain medications, family history, stress, and products used on hair and skin may trigger acne in adults.
Truncal Acne
Truncal acne describes outbreaks of acne that appear on the back, neck, chest, arms, or other parts of the body.
Although the causes of truncal and facial acne are similar, the triggers may be different. For example, clothing that covers the body is more likely to trap sweat, oils, and other substances that can clog pores, creating an ideal condition for breakouts, especially after exercise or working in a warm environment, such as a kitchen.
The treatment of truncal acne is also different from facial acne. The thicker skin of the body can withstand medications that might be irritating to facial skin. The thicker skin also makes truncal acne slower to respond to treatment. This makes it important to remain on therapy as recommend by your physician.
Although the causes of truncal and facial acne are similar, the triggers may be different. For example, clothing that covers the body is more likely to trap sweat, oils, and other substances that can clog pores, creating an ideal condition for breakouts, especially after exercise or working in a warm environment, such as a kitchen.
The treatment of truncal acne is also different from facial acne. The thicker skin of the body can withstand medications that might be irritating to facial skin. The thicker skin also makes truncal acne slower to respond to treatment. This makes it important to remain on therapy as recommend by your physician.
