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Acne is an inflammatory skin ailment characterized by external skin eruptions that are caused by plugged skin pores. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but can extend to the trunk, arms and legs. Acne appears when sebaceous glands within the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become plugged, due to secretions that are produced faster than oil and skin cells can evacuate through the follicle. The plug causes the follicle to swell (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug can darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the wall of the follicle to break, the oil, dead skin cells, and microbes found normally on the surface of the skin can invade the skin and create small infected areas named pustules (also known as pimples or "zits"). When the body reacts against this invasion, in an attempt to destroy the intruders, what we know as pimples are formed. As the leukocytes defend and die they make an inflamed area that becomes red (pimple) which over time turns into an even greater mass of dead cells that can create a pus pocket (white head). If a pimple isn't treated properly it can evolve into an acne scar, however, you can prevent scarring by treating acne breakouts early on. Dried oils can also affect opened pores. Foreign matter or just facial dirt creates what is commonly known as a blackhead. Salt from sweat is another cause of many facial break outs when it dries and blocks pores. Cysts appear when the infection reaches the deeper layers of the skin. A sebaceous cyst forms when the sebaceous gland continues to produce oil. Instead of rupturing the follicle wall, the follicle keeps growing to create a soft, pliable lump (known as a cyst) under the skin. The cyst is commonly not painful or discolored unless it becomes infected. Adolescent Acne Acne is most common in adolescent boys , but it can occur in both sexes and at all ages. The tendency to develop acne is inherited. The condition commonly appears at puberty and can continue for many years. Every 3 out of 4 teenagers have acne to some extent, apparently caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands. Other hormonal fluctuations that happen with menstrual periods, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or stress, also exacerbates acne. Acne is not simply caused by dirt or build-up, but dirt and oil can worsen the condition. Other factors that increase the chances of acne are exposure to weather extremes, oily skin, stress, endocrine disorders, certain tumors, hormonal changes, and the use of certain drugs (such as cortisone, estrogen, testosterone, and others). Acne is not contagious. A tendency to have acne can persist through ages 30's to early 40's. Prognosis Acne is commonly chronic from adolescence to adulthood, but ultimately lessens. Acne generally responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but can reappear from time to time. Acne is not medically hazardous except for untreated, grievous infection. Scars can occur if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.
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