Acne animation

What is the difference between a blackhead and a whitehead? Do you know what casues acne? Watch this video to find out.




Acne
The Philosebaceous unit (PSU) of the skin consists of the sebaceous gland and the hair follicle.

The sebaceous gland secretes an oily substance called sebum which protects the hair and skin and prevents them from drying and irritation.

Sebum may collect excessively as a result of poor hygiene, genetic predisposition or accelerated glandular activity, especially during adolescence. Overproduction of sebum is related to the disease called acne or commonly pimples.

Commonly involved areas are the face, neck, chest, shoulders and upper back.

During an acne breakout, the pore of the hair follicle is plugged by a mixture of sebum and cells that line the hair follicle. The trapped sebum allows bacteria to grow in the plugged follicles. This forms the primary acne lesion called a comedo. There are of 2 types of comedos, whiteheads and blackheads.

When the sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface, a whitehead is formed.

A blackhead occurs when the trapped sebum and bacteria partially open to the surface and turn black due to melanin, the skin's pigment.

Treatment includes:

Keratolytics
Retinoids
Antibiotics
Hormone Therapy
Spironolactone for women
Isoretinoin in severe cases









Acne
Also called: Pimples, Zits
Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.
No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years and pregnancy, probably play a role. There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn't cause acne, but stress can make it worse.
If you have acne
Clean your skin gently
Try not to touch your skin
Avoid the sun
Treatments for acne include medicines and creams.