Acne

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris", which means common acne. Excessive secretion of oils from the glands combine with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block the hair follicles. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to multiply uncontrolled. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion.

Acne misconceptions

There are many misconceptions and rumours about what causes the condition:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Diet. Chocolate, potato chips and sugar, among others, have not been shown to affect acne. This means that the scientific studies done to date did not find a statistically significant difference between acne in two groups of people, one group eating the food in question and one group avoiding it. However, one recent study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15692464, based on a survey of 47,335 women, did find a positive association between milk consumption and acne. The researchers hypothesize that the association may be caused by hormones (such as bovine IGF-I) present in cow milk. Seafood, on the other hand, may contain relatively high levels of iodine, but probably not enough to cause an acne outbreak. Still, people who are prone to acne may want to avoid excessive consumption of foods high in iodine. It has also been suggested that there is a link between a diet high in refined sugars and acne. According to this hypothesis, the startling absence of acne in non-westernized societies could be explained by the low glycemic index of these tribes' diets. http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/138/12/1584 Further research is necessary to establish whether a reduced consumption of high-glycemic foods (such as soft drinks, sweets, white bread) can significantly alleviate acne, but eating too much high-glycemic foods isn't healthy anyway. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15294556&query_hl=5
• Deficient personal hygiene. Acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception probably comes from the fact that acne involves skin infections. In fact the blockages that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is impossible to wash them away. These plugs are formed by the cells and sebum created there by the body. The bacteria involved are the same bacteria that are always present on the skin. It is advisable to clean the skin on a regular basis, but doing so will not prevent acne. Anything beyond very gentle cleansing can actually worsen existing lesions and even encourage new ones by damaging or overdrying skin.
• Sex. Common myths state that either celibacy or masturbation cause acne. There is no scientific evidence that this is the case. It is true, however, that sexual activity, as well as anger and stress, affect hormone levels and thus bodily oil production.