Acne - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Acne is a manifestation of the skin that affects the hair follicles and their corresponding sebaceous glands. The latter, working more than normal, produce an excessive quantity of sebum (an oily secret that normally forms a thin protective layer on the skin). At the same time, keratinization of the sebaceous duct occurs, due to androgen hyperactivity (male sex hormones present in small quantities also in the female body).

The sebum mixed with horny cells accumulates in the follicle, creating a sort of "plug", which prevents the secretion itself from flowing out. The blackhead is thus formed, more commonly known as the black spot, which constitutes the primary lesion of acne. The inflammation of closed comedones is manifested by a reddened, slightly raised papule, to which a pustule (pimples) may overlap. The extension of the process in depth causes the formation of nodules and cysts. On the basis of the presentation of the disorder, various types of acne can be distinguished (vulgar comedonal, pustular, nodular and cystic).

Acne lesions usually appear on the face, shoulders and back. Often, these manifestations are associated with burning, itching and pain on pressure. If the lesions are deep and chronic, the situation can become complicated and dark spots, nodules, cysts and permanent scars can appear on the skin.

Acne is the result of a complex mechanism, in which multiple factors contribute: hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, incorrect skin care, stress and some therapies.

Acne is a typically adolescent condition and tends to resolve spontaneously around the age of 20. During puberty, in fact, the increase in androgens stimulates sebum production and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. In some cases, familiarity plays an important role.

Other causes are hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or during the menstrual cycle.

Acne can be aggravated or provoked by cortisone and progestin drugs for contraceptive purposes (iatrogenic acne), by exposure to certain chemical substances in the work environment and by the use of unsuitable, excessively fat and comedogenic cosmetics that favor accumulation. of sebum and the obstruction of the hair follicle. Even washing the skin too insistently can make the situation worse.

In adult women, the problem may depend on the polycystic ovary: cysts inside the ovaries or therapies to make them regress can promote an increase in androgenic hormones, whose action stimulates the production of sebum. Acne can also be associated with endometriosis and dysmenorrhoea.

They also predict smoking habits and exaggerated exposure to the sun, without the necessary precautions (such as the application of non-comedogenic sunscreen products). Overeating and weight gain should be avoided, as they can cause hormonal imbalances, often involved in the mechanisms underlying the disease; for this reason, preserved foods, sausages, fried foods and desserts should be limited.