- Acne/Pimples is more common in the age group of
13 - 30 years
- But it may occur or persist even beyond this
age limit.
- Males are more frequently affected than females
due to androgen activity.
- Females may get a pre-menstrual flare due to
the increase in level of a hormone called Progesterone.
The skin has minute glands called sebaceous glands which open into the hair follicle. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which empties into the skin surface through the hair follicle. During puberty, the male sex hormones which are normally present both in males and females are on the rise and they activate the sebaceous glands to increase in size, which in turn leads to increase in the secretion of sebum. Secondly, the cells are shed more rapidly and they stick together, plugging the opening of the hair follicle, resulting in 'white heads'. The pigment melanin in the white heads when exposed to air, forms black heads. Thirdly, bacteria especially the 'propionibacterium acne' in number and add to the formation of acne. When the follicle gets clogged, its wall ruptures. The sebum, bacteria and dead cells escape into the surrounding tissue and lead to formation of more severe form of acne in form of pustules, nodules, abscesses and cysts.
Reasons for formation of acne?
Acne commonly occurs in people who are genetically predisposed.
- Use of cosmetics such as
creams, oil based moisturizers, oil based foundations, and etc. can cause
acne.
- Application of heavy oil or
gel on the scalp leads to pimples on the back and forehead.
- People who work in chemical
or oil industries and come in contact with hydrocarbons, heavy oils, and
cutting oil, wax, and grease and coal tar derivatives can develop acne.
- People working in hot and
humid climate can develop acne.
- Drugs such as oral
contraceptives, steroids, isoniazid, lithium, phenytoin, iodides etc. can
cause pimples.
- Squeezing or picking at a
pre-existing lesion will lead to secondary infection and increased
pigmentation.
- Stress will exacerbate acne.
- Finally, if acne persists in
spite of medical treatment or if the patient has other features such as or
hair loss, an endocrine disorder must be considered and investigations
carried out accordingly.
Homoeopathic Medicines act very well without any side effect For Acne and Pimples, and also act an anti ageing.