Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin and is also known as Acne Vulgaris. Often it is caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structure which consists of hair follicles and the associated sebaceous glands). Lesions will appear which are commonly known as pimples, spots or zits. The term acne comes from a corruption of Greek words "acme" meaning skin erruption and "bacne" or " backne" which is often used to indicate the form of acne found on a person's back.
The condition is often found in pubescent people and is especially common in Western societies, most likely due to a high genetic disposition to getting it. It is often considered to be an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone in the body and for many people this tends to diminish over time. So the acne then often disappears or at least decreases, usually when a person reaches their early 20's.
Unfortunately there is no way to predict just how long it will take for the acne to disappear completely. Some individuals may continue to suffer from acne for decades, sometimes in to their 30's or 40's or even beyond. A large percentage of people will be affected by acne at some stage during their life.
There are various types of acne and these are shown below:-
1. Acne Vulgaris - The most commonly experienced forms of acne and will appear around puberty. It is typically to be found on a person's face, shoulders and chest.
2. Acne Rosacea - This is a red rash which is predominantly found on a person's face.
3. Acne Keloidalis Nuchae - Also known as Pseudofolliculitis Nuchae and is a rash caused by shaving.
4. Acne Conglobata - Also known as Hidradenitis Suppurativa - This is chronic abscesses or boils on the sweat glands and hair follicles usually found in the underarms, groin and buttocks as well as under the breasts of women.
5. Acne Cosmetica - This type of acne is caused by cosmetics.
6. Acne Fulminas - Is an extreme form of Acne Conglobata.
7. Acne Medicamentosa - This form of acne is caused when a person is starting or finishing a course of medication.
8. Baby Acne - This is a form of acne that is a rash seen on the cheeks, chin and forehead of an infant.
9. Chloracne - This form of acne rash is caused by the person being exposed to chlorinated hydrocarbons such as dioxins or PCB's.
Hopefully the information provided to you above with regard to acne will help you to understand more clearly what it is and how it is caused.
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