Acne is caused when sebaceous glands present in the skin overproduce greasy secretions that plug the pores in the skin. Plugged pores can turn into whiteheads or blackheads depending on the size of the pore. These pores can then become inflamed and cause deep lumps on the skin.
Cystic acne is formed when inflamed pores are infected.
Acne is most often associated with adolescence; however, it can also occur in adulthood. Oily skin is at greatest risk of acne. Teenage acne can occur after the age of ten and may last for up to 10 years. Acne lesions are most common on the face, but they can also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms.
Most forms of acne are attributable to heredity and hormones. Increased hormone production associated with puberty will result in creation of Testosterone and subsequent production of sebum. Sebum is a waxy substance that helps the skin retain moisture. Acne is caused when the skin produces too much sebum.
PDT (photodynamic therapy) is a non-invasive acne treatment that is
a highly effective treatment for acne. It uses a photosensitizing
agent that is activated by a special light to gradually improve acne
over several treatments. The light source used can be an intense pulsed
light or laser light which will activates the photosensitizing agent
and targets and destroys cells with acne bacteria. As the bacterial
acne cells are destroyed sun damaged skin also begin to improve. The
treatment will also reduce pore sizes which will further help fight
off acne from returning.
|
|
