Acne is a common skin disease. Acne manifests as acne, blackheads, papules, and pus-filled pustules. For most people, it usually starts in puberty and often disappears in the early to mid 20s, but it can last longer. Sometimes, acne appears for the first time in people in their 20s and beyond. Blackheads or pustules can also appear on the cheeks or nose of young children. Acne ranges from several areas such as the face, neck, back and chest. Excessively inflamed acne may have sunken scars after recovery, and granulation may appear on the neck and trunk, which affects the appearance and lowers self-confidence.

What is the cause of acne?

The cause of acne is related to skin oil secretion and cell growth in hair follicles. The sebaceous glands in the hair follicles are affected by androgen, which increases oil secretion. At the same time, epidermal cells proliferate, and the stratum corneum of the pores becomes thicker. The mixture of oil and dead skin cells accumulates and becomes clogged, forming pimples, whiteheads and blackheads (the clogged lipids are oxidized and darkened in the air).

In acne patients, the accumulation of oil creates an ideal environment for the reproduction of acne bacteria (Proponibacterium Acnes). Acne bacteria decompose sebum to form irritating fatty acids, causing inflammation and forming papules and pustules.

Acne can be caused by medications used to treat other diseases or certain contraceptive injections or pills. Some bodybuilders take pills that contain hormones, which can also cause acne.

Diet may affect acne. High glycemic index diets (such as sugar and sugary foods, white bread, potatoes, white rice, etc.) have been shown to have a chance to cause or aggravate acne. There is also some evidence that the consumption of milk and dairy products may cause acne in some people, but this has not been studied in sufficient detail.

Acne can sometimes be caused by hormone problems. However, most people with acne have normal hormone levels. The most common hormonal problem is women’s polycystic ovary syndrome. If you are a woman with irregular menstruation, abnormal hair growth, hair loss, or other changes in your body, please inform your doctor just in case.

Is acne inherited?

Genetics is one of the factors that cause acne. Many family members of patients with acne do not have acne. Genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors (such as diet, stress, skin care products, etc.) all affect the appearance of acne.

References.
1. Zaenglein, A. L., et al. (2016). "Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945-973.
2. Sardana, K., & Garg, V. K. (2009). "Acne: New insights into pathogenesis and treatment." Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 1(2), 87-93.
3. Thiboutot, D., et al. (2009). "Acne vulgaris: pathogenesis and treatment." Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 84(3), 335-342.