Acne in Adolescents

Acne is one of the most common problems in adolescent teens, affecting nearly seventeen million people in the United States. Acne is a disorder involving sebaceous glands and hair follicles.   It results from the clogging of sebaceous glands leading to the formation of pimples and cysts. The condition usually begins with the onset of puberty. As teens reach puberty the androgens (also called male sex hormones) are produced in high number leading to sebaceous glands becoming over-active and sebum is produced in high proportions.
Acne Free in 3 Days!

Sebum, which is oil, is produced by sebaceous glands that travel to the skin surface through hair follicles.  Skin cells block the follicles and oil also being blocked. When these hair follicles are blocked  skin bacteria known as Propionibacterium Acnes grows within the follicles, which in turn causes swelling of the skin (Acne). If the hair follicles are partially blocked it results in blackheads. If the follicles are completely blocked they result in whiteheads. If these plugged follicles are not treated they ultimately burst causing the oil, bacteria and skin cells to spill all over the skin resulting in irritation and formation of pimples. Acne can be shallow as well as deep in various individuals depending on the nature of skin and amount of oil produced.

Neutrogena Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment, 2-Ounce Packages (Pack of 3)

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Kit

Phisoderm 3 Piece Combination Skincare Kit

Zeno Mini Acne Clearing Device

There can be various causes why acne forms. Apart from rising hormone levels due to puberty it can also be attributed to certain other factors like intake of drugs which contain lithium, barbiturates and corticosteroids. Acne can also be caused due to excess grease and oil in the scalp; the use of some cosmetics can actually alleviate the problem. Acne often is inherited.   It can be worsened if the pimples are squeezed or scrubbed too hard.

Acne can form at any place of the body but most commonly forms in the areas where the sebaceous glands are present in high proportions like the face, chest, shoulders, neck and upper back. The symptoms may differ from person to person but commonly seen symptoms are: formation of blackheads, whiteheads, lesions filled with pus and which are very painful,  and nodules. One may get confused sometimes as symptoms of acne may be like some other skin conditions and it is always advised to consult a doctor.

There are lots of treatments available today to treat acne. The primary goal of the treatment is to reduce scars and improve appearance.   Your doctor can help you decide which specific treatment you need based on the extent of the problem, age, medical history, overall health, tolerance to specific medications and procedures, and expectations.

Treatment of acne is classified into topical and systemic drug therapies. In some instances the combination of both the methods is needed. Topical medication includes creams, gels, lotions, solutions etc. prescribed to patients. Some  examples of topical medication are: Benzoyl Peroxide which kills the Propionibacterium Acnes bacteria, topical antibiotics, Tretinoin (helps in stopping the formation of new acne lesions),  and Adapalene (reduces formation of comedo).

Systemic drug therapies involve prescription of systemic antibiotics when acne is moderate to severe in nature. The examples of antibiotics prescribed are Doxycycline, Erythromycin and Tetracycline. In some cases an oral drug called Isotretinoin is prescribed for teenagers with severe acne problem which shrinks down the sebaceous glands that produce oil.  It is reported that almost ninety percent of the adolescents have success with this oral drug. but it does have potential side effects.

Tagged as: Acne vulgaris, Propionibacterium Acnes, Sebaceous gland