Acne is primarily an inflammatory disease. According to the latest research, microinflammation is one of the main causes of acne. It is thought to be caused by the body's immune system's response to bacteria, lipids and / or androgens (male sex hormones).
The process begins with invisible microcomedones in the skin
Seborrhea and hyperkeratosis then occur
Seborrhea The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which keeps the skin and hair supple. People with skin prone to blemishes and acne usually have higher levels of androgens (male hormones) in their blood. Their sebaceous glands may also be more sensitive to androgens. These androgens promote the growth of sebaceous glands and excessive sebum production. The formation of excess sebum is known as seborrhea. Excess sebum on the surface of the skin interferes with the natural process of exfoliating dead skin cells (known as desquamation). Inflammation is also triggered by the composition of lipids in the sebum that accumulate in the sebaceous glands.
Hyperkeratosis Hyperkeratosis is an abnormal thickening of the outer layers of the skin. It is caused by excessive accumulation of skin cells (corneocytes) in the ducts of the sebaceous glands and inadequate desquamation (peeling) of dead cells, which are bound to the surface of the skin by excess sebum. These cells form a plug that clogs the sebaceous glands. Hyperkeratosis is also affected by the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (oblique), which usually lives harmlessly on the surface of the skin. The bacterium creates a biofilm (a thin layer) on the surface of the skin, which complicates the normal process of desquamation and contributes to the formation of a plug.
Blackheads and pimples form
Sebum accumulates in the clogged sebaceous glands and the wall of the follicle swells, causing the formation of comedones (blackheads) and pimples. A pimple Inflamed (bulging and stained) irregularity in which there is a purulent discharge and it is usually painful. Pimple is a nickname often used for all irregularities: comedones, papules and pustules.
Open comedones (blackheads) A small, dark, flat spot in the skin. The dark color is caused by sebum that reacts with oxygen and is in no way related to dirt.
Closed comedones (whiteheads) Convex, round irregularity with milky white tip and type of pimple.
The multiplication of bacteria exacerbates the visible inflammation that develops into acne.
The accumulation of sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, especially P. acnes (oblique). Bacteria begin to colonize the duct of the clogged sebaceous glands and cause the breakdown of sebum. Decomposition produces substances that cause additional inflammation, which affects the formation of papules and pustules associated with acne. In severe cases, the bladder wall may rupture in the later stages of inflammation. Lipids, fatty acids, corneocytes (cells), bacteria and cell particles are released and can cause additional inflammation of the skin around the follicle.
How to help a young person struggling with this problem?
Acne vulgaris, one of the most common dermatological diseases, affects both teenagers and adults. As many as 85% of young people face this problem. The most common culprits for pimples are:
Hormones (especially during puberty) Genetics, Lifestyle (diet, exercise) Inadequate hygiene.
What psychological problems do pimples cause?
This skin disease not only affects the exterior, but often leaves serious mental consequences that can last long after we have already got rid of pimples. The outbreaks do not have to be severe - the psychological consequences can leave a few pimples.The problems are: Depression Anxiety Low self-esteem Poor self-esteem Feeling lonely.
We can also notice the following signs: avoiding eye contact, covering the face with hair, excessive use of makeup (which makes the condition worse), fear of changing clothes in school locker rooms (when it comes to pimples on the body), avoiding socializing and meeting new people due to low self-esteem, loss of appetite and mood swings as a result of depression, etc.
How to help a teenager with pimples? The most important thing is to talk to young people about any problems they are facing due to pimples and to offer them support. Of course, they will be most grateful to us if we help them to actually get rid of them or at least mitigate the outbreaks. One of the main steps is a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, but we avoid sweets, fatty foods and dairy products. Regular exercise is recommended, after which we take a shower as soon as possible.It also helps to remove hair from the face, apply less make-up and do not touch the skin.
The most important step in the fight against pimples is certainly proper and regular hygiene. We clean the face (and other areas where pimples appear) at least twice a day. We use a gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells that would otherwise clog pores and stimulate the formation of new pimples. We must be extremely careful when choosing cosmetics. Be careful not to use too many creams, and the safest choice is natural cosmetics.
Photos are taken from google.com.
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