Acne is by no means a serious condition, in and of itself, but it is one that has been known to cause serious problems. Though merely a superficial blemish, it has been linked to depression, even severe depression and, according to some studies, suicide, due to the mental anguish it’s been known to cause. The key problem is that it typically affects both males and females in their adolescence, which is a time when physical appearance and self esteem are both put to the test. Because of this, it’s been looked upon more and more as a serious issue.
While acne can technically be used to refer to a number of different skin conditions, it’s usually meant to refer specifically to acne vulgaris, the more common form. This is where skin blemishes appear on the face and the upper neck, and occasionally on the forearm and other parts of the body. Common acne is made up of non inflammatory comedones and papules. For cases that are more severe, one may find inflammatory comedones, papules, and nodules. In common, everyday language, acne is referred to as pimples. Another common term for acne is zits. Whichever word is chosen, they all refer to the same thing.
Much has been done to research cures for the condition as a whole. The problem is that there is still no known root cause of acne. As it stands, science can only point to more general causes. What actually leads to acne directly is still unknown.
Genetics has been considered as one of the possible causes of acne. No matter what missing links are left in the causal chain, it’s still clear that someone with certain acne traits will produce children with similar traits. If you, for instance, developed acne early or had acne problems later in life than most other people, your children, should you have any, will likely experience acne in that same way.
Hormones have been identified as another cause of acne. It’s known that the development of certain sex hormones, as produced in both genders at the dawn of adolescence, is linked to the formation of pimples. These hormones, though, are not a direct cause. Instead they are merely linked to a cause. There is some unknown reaction that hormones set into play that results in pores clogging and pimples forming.
The scarring that often results from acne is caused by a lack of collagen production. This happens as the inflammation damages collagen making cells, an occurrence that happens only in certain situations. Once this happens; there is less collagen being produced, which leads to thinner skin. The result is what appears as scars.
In the future, a more direct and specific cause may be discovered and, should this ever happen, people can certainly expect to see an onslaught of more specialized treatments.
When it comes to acne, you don’t have to suffer. Finding acne relief is possible for the majority of people, and there are many treatment options available, whether you’re looking to clear up the occasional pimple or if you need cystic acne relief.
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