How to Understand Different Types of Acne and their Causes17 Apr
The most common forms of acne known as acne vulgaris include blackheads, papules, pustules, and whiteheads. These are the types of acne that are mild or moderate, there are more severe types, but the ones listed are the ones that the majority of people deal with on a daily basis.
Blackheads
Blackheads occur with a pore of the skin is partially blocked. The open area that is not blocked collects bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils from the skin that slowly drain into the opening. The black color of the acne is not due to dirt, but to the reaction the skin has on its melanin when it comes in contact with the air. In many cases, it may take a long time for a blackhead to clear.
Papules are red inflamed bumps that are tender to the touch and do not have any type of head.
Pustules are about the same as a whitehead only they are inflamed. They have a white or yellow center with a red circle along the outer edge.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads occur when a pore of the skin is totally blocked which traps bacteria, dead skin cells and oils from the skin. The reason they have a white appearance is due to the fact they are totally blocked and air cannot reach the melanin to change the color to black as you see with blackheads.
Causes
Causes of acne are not at all what most people think and that is not keeping the area clean. The causes of acne include hormones, extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria, and inflammation.
In most cases, hormones are the number one reason for the outbreak of acne. The trouble with acne normally begins in puberty when the body starts to create the hormones known as androgens. The hormones naturally cause the sebaceous glands to become larger. Problems with acne during puberty is due to the fact that the androgens over stimulate the sebaceous glands. This can occur even after puberty in adults especially during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle.
When the sebaceous gland is stimulated it produces sebum. This sebum mixes with bacteria and dead skin cells. This can cause clogging of the pores, which will then cause acne.
Dead skin is normally shed however, with overactive sebaceous glands the cells are shed faster. When this is mixed with the sebum it can clog the follicle, which stops it from finishing its natural process.
Bacteria on the skin is a natural occurrence. However, when a follicle becomes clogged the bacteria grows rapidly. This causes a chemical reaction known as inflammation, which will affect the follicle and the skin around the area.
Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s way of getting rid of bacteria that is not needed or wanted. You body sends in white blood cells to attach the bacteria thus inflammation occurs.
The best way to combat acne is to clean the area where you are prone to breakouts. However, all the cleaning in the world will not stop the natural process but it can help. There are a few acne medications that can aid in deep cleaning the skin in order to keep the pores from becoming clogged.
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