Skin Care Info

Acne or Acne Vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin. Technically speaking, Acne affects the pilosebaceous glands. Every pore or hair follicle is associated with sebaceous glands. This structure of skin consisting of Hair follicle and its sebaceous gland is called as pilosebaceous unit.

Our Skin is kept well hydrated by secreting sebum from these glands. When these glands become overactive and secretes excessive sebum combined with dead skin and sticky oily substance, they get trapped in the pores. This plug consisting of skin debris, bacteria and sticky oily substance blocked in the pores are known as comedone or Acne lesion.
Comedo can either be closed or open. These open comedone (Blackheads) and closed comedone (Whiteheads) are examples of Non-inflammatory Acne lesians.

Papules, pustules, Nodules (cysts) are examples of Inflammatory Acne lesians.

Different types of Acne lesions

Blackheads or Open comedones : Blackheads are medically known as closed comedones. A blackhead is simply a plugged pore with full of dirt and grease. They are visible as dark colored plugs on the skin, hence called an open comedo.

Whiteheads or Closed comedones : Whiteheads are examples for a closed comedone. A whitehead emerges when a plugged pore full of bacteria and sebum stays underneath the skin blocking the opening of a follicle.

Papules : Papules are inflammatory Acne lesions. They are small red inflamed bumps on skin surface without a head. An urge to squeeze or scratch a papule should be avoided as it may scar the skin.

Pustules : Pustules are inflammed Acne lesions which form as red circles with yellow or white center core on the skin surface. A pustule contains puss and is filled with white blood cells, dead cells and bacteria. A pimple with puss is simply a pustule.

Nodule/Nodulocystic : A nodule is an inflamed and most severe form of Acne lesion. It can be quite big in size, dome shaped bump and can be painful. The inflammation can go quite deep into the skin. This form of Acne lesion is often characterized by scarring when squeezed,scratched or plucked.
An acne cyst appears similar to nodules but is filled with puss. A cystic acne may be very painful and can cause scarring.

Dilemma of having Acne

Acne sufferers not only experience physical problems, but it can also affect psychologically. When acne takes over, simple things like going to work or attending a social gathering becomes so difficult due to the fear of not being accepted by the society. In many cases, as the sufferers continue to live with their Acne, their self image drops and social interaction becomes very tough because the way people look at them changes.

As we travel through this complex skin problem, you will come across a series of articles with more and more information on Acne. Its causes, treatments, prevention etc. Stay tuned!