Definition

     Acne is a group of skin rashes that have different causes.

Different Types of Acne

• Acne vulgaris - most commonly experienced around puberty, typically of the face and shoulders/chest

• Acne rosacea - a red rash predominantly on the face

• Acne keloidalis nuchae (Pseudofolliculitis nuchae) - a rash caused by shaving

• Acne conglobata (Hidradenitis suppurativa) - chronic abscesses or boils of sweat glands and hair follicles; in the underarms, groin and buttocks, and under the breasts in women

• Acne cosmetica - acne caused by cosmetics

• Acne fulminans - an extreme form of acne conglobata

• Acne medicamentosa - acne caused by starting or stopping a medicine

• Baby acne - a rash seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead of infants

• Chloracne- an acne rash caused by exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons such as dioxins or PCBs

Causes

• Changing hormone levels, especially during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy

• Hot, humid weather

• Sweat, pollution, and smoke

• Pressure or friction on skin from tight collars, telephones, or bike helmets

• Greasy or oil-based lotions, cosmetics, and hair products

• Some medications: Lithium (Eskalith, Lithane), steroids, and hormones such as testosterone and estrogen

• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms

     Acne can appear as any of the following;

• congested pores,

• whiteheads,

• blackheads,

• pimples,

• pustules, or

• cysts (deep pimples).

Treatment

• Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect and also helps dry out the oil that bacteria feed on. It actually works better on P. acnes than most real topical antibiotics such as erythromycin, but there's no compelling evidence that pricier 10 percent solutions work any better than basic 2.5 percent solutions.

• Salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid) and glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) are exfoliants -- they help break down and peel away the skin on the surface, which keeps pores clear. Stick to 2 percent solutions of salicylic acid -- higher concentrations can be very harsh.

• Sulfur and resorcinol also help break down whiteheads and blackheads.

• Propylene glycol and alcohol (including ethanol and propanol) are astringents -- they dry out the skin. They're usually listed under "inactive ingredients."

• Water-based treatments are less drying than those with alcohol. If your skin gets too dry, the problem can be aggravated when the sebaceous glands overproduce oil to counteract the dryness.

Prevention

• Good hygiene.