Definition: Acne is a skin condition that affects the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands in the skin, which secrete an oily substance called sebum. Acne is most common on the face, arms, back and chest.

Welcome to Acne Info...

... a website that aims to give a wealth of resources about this common condition. Enclosed within, you will find many articles and products of interest. These cover areas of modern medicine as well as more alternative ones. Much of the enclosed acne information is taken from external sources for which thanks are given. Before continuing, please read the disclaimer.

Extract from Wikipedia: "Acne vulgaris 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). Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots or zits.

"The condition is most common in puberty, especially among Western societies most likely due to a higher genetic predisposition. It is considered an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. The response for most people diminishes over time and acne thus tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches their early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later, into their thirties and forties and even beyond. Acne affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life.

"The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris", meaning "common acne." Excessive secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block the hair follicles. There also appears to be in some instances a faulty keritinization process in the skin leading to abnormal shedding of skin lining the pores. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to multiply uncontrollably. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are especially affected.

"The typical acne lesions are: comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and inflammatory cysts. These are the more inflamed form of pus-filled or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. Non-inflamed 'sebaceous cysts', more properly called epidermoid cysts, occur either in association with acne or alone but are not a constant feature. After resolution of acne lesions, prominent unsightly scars may remain.

"Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and depression. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure."

This website is not designed as a substitute for seeking professional medical advice should you need to do so. Rather it is intended that the information presented within will assist you in making informed decisions, in cooperation with your doctor, as to the most suitable treatment to use in your fight against this ailment.

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I'm sure you'll find many things of interest within AcneInfo.me.uk and I wish you all the best in your quest to finding a suitable treatment.

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Alistair Hamilton