- 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.
symptomatic Homoeopathic Medicines works very well for acne, pimples without any side effects.