About Acne :

Acne is a very common skin condition occurring due to blockage and irritation of sebaceous glands    (oil glands). It is called by other names like pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, breakouts and zits.

Causes :

• Increased size of sebaceous glands (oil glands) producing more oil

• Increase in number of bacteria (P. acnes) in the oil glands

• Blockage of opening of sebaceous glands (oil glands)

• Hormonal influences (PCOD and Adult acne)

Aggravating factors :

• Stress

• Irregular diet

• Pregnancy

• Sweat

• Facial massage

Presentation :

• Mostly found in adolescent

• Acne after 30 yrs of age : Adult acne

• Acne due to hormonal fluctuations :  Hormonal acne

• Most common area : Face

• Other areas involved : Chest and back

• Increases in summer

Types :

• Comedones/Blackheads/Whiteheads

• Red bumps (Papules)

• Pus filled bumps (Pustules)

• Big hard bumps ( Nodules)

• Big bumps with fluid inside (Cystic acne)

Myths v/s reality

• Acne is not just limited to teenagers, adults can experience it too.

• Touching/squeezing/self handling of acne is not the solution as it leads to scarring and pigmentation.