The Types Of People Who Get Acne

Acne is a skin disorder that affects millions of people around the world.  Acne occurs when there is an excessive secretion of sebum, a substance from the hair follicles.  The excess secretion becomes the target for dust and bacteria to accumulate to later develop into acne.

Acne can affect people of all ages and races.  But occurrence of acne is very high among adolescent people.  According to studies, almost 85 percent of adolescents and young adults within the age range of 12 and 24 years old develop acne to a varying degree.   

During adolescence, the hormonal levels of a person become elevated and they stimulate the sebaceous glands which are attached to the hair follicles.  As an effect, greater amount of sebum is secreted.

The ages of 10 and 13 are when young people are most vulnerable to acne.  Normally, acne usually lasts for 5 to 10 years although there are many cases where one experiences acne up until a later age.

People with poor hygiene are at a risk of getting acne.  Since acne is caused by bacteria, people who are exposed to dust and dirt, and who do not wash their faces during bed time, will most likely develop acne.  Also, a person who uses dirty pillowcases will have higher risk of getting acne.

Acne can also be inherited.  So people who have a family history with acne will be at risk of developing acne too.

People who take certain drugs like those used to treat epilepsy and depression may be at risk of acne breakout.

Acne affects both men and women.  But among men, the likelihood of getting more severe and long lasting forms of acme is higher compared to women.  Even then, more women have close relationships with their dermatologists than men.

Intermittent acne affects women due to hormonal changes that usually come with their menstrual cycle.  This kind of acne is also caused by excessive use of cosmetics. Some cosmetics, especially those which are not oil-free or non-comedogenic may actually affect the pores of the skin and later develop acne.

More women compared to men are getting infected with perioral dermatitis characterized by small pustules and papules form on the chin and around the mouth.

Men and women who love to wear tight hats, backpacks, jeans, or any tight gear and paraphernalia are at risk with developing acne because skin friction can create irritation and may eventually trigger acne.

Middle aged adults are most likely to get affected with Acne Rosacea.  The effect of this kind of acne includes flushed face and red nose due to inflamed bumps.

Infantile acne affects newborn babies.  This is a mild kind of acne caused by fetal hormones.  After a few weeks, infantile acne just naturally disappears.

More men are affected with a severe form of acne called Acne conglobata.  This kind of acne is an advanced form of nodular cystic acne vulgaris and this can extensively attack the face, chest and back.

Another interesting study states that occurrence of acne is higher among Caucasians compared to other colors.

Who Gets Acne

Acne is not dependent upon race, ethnicity, color or sex. Nearly 100% of people belonging to the age group of twelve to seventeen suffer from the occasional blackhead, whitehead or pimple. Most of these young people are able to take care of this problem with some medications that can be had over the counter. For some the problem is serious and needs professional care. About 40% of adolescents and teenagers suffer from severe problems that require the assistance of a physician to be cured.

When does it start?

Acne hits between the ages of ten and thirteen. The condition persists for the next five to ten years. It normally disappears in the early twenties though it can stay till one is in their late twenties, thirties or even later than that. There have been cases when people start getting acne when they are well into adulthood.

Men or women?

There has been no concrete evidence to show whether men or women suffer more from acne. But young men are more prone to the different forms of acne than women. For men acne is far more severe and lasts really longer than women. Despite this men do not visit the dermatologist as often as they should.

Young women usually have acne that occurs intermittently. This is caused by hormonal changes that are associated with the menstrual cycle. Acne can also be caused by the use of cosmetics without understanding whether they are suitable to the particular skin type or not. These kinds of acne can happen to women who are well into their adulthood.

Where do they occur?

Acne can occur most commonly on the face but they also occur on the chest, back, shoulders, scalp, neck, upper arms and legs.

Impact

Acne may seem to be very trivial but you will be surprised to know that it does have an economic impact as well. Approximately a hundred million dollars a year are spent on non-prescriptive drugs that most teenagers buy to get rid of acne. This amount does not include the money spent on the cleansers and soaps that have been made for controlling acne. Besides this one needs to visit the dermatologist and buy the medicines that he has prescribed. This also needs money.

You have come to know that you are not the only one who is suffering from this problem. A careful skin-cleansing regimen needs to be followed to have a healthy skin.

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