Acne, Know About it Before the Treatment

Acne is skin disorder normally occurs in puberty. It may occur at other age also. Human skin is made up of unit called pilosebaceous unit. This unit consists of four parts namely, sebaceous gland, hair follicle, hair shaft and the Erectores pilorum (erector pili muscle) which causes erecting of hair when gets contracted.
In puberty period male hormone, known as androgen, causes sebaceous glands to produce sebum (an oily and waxy substance). Functions of sebum are to moisturize skin, protect skin; keep skin and hair waterproof and keep away skin drying due to dehydration. When hair follicle gets blocked excess of sebum get collected. Such condition is responsible for acne breakouts.

What after Acne Breakouts?

After the breakout acne may appear in three different forms. Blackheads, Whiteheads and Pimples.

Blackheads

This condition leads to form comedo. When the comedo is open we know it as blackheads. Comedo appears black in color because of oxidization of keratin and sebum.

Whiteheads

An open comedo is known as whiteheads.

Pimples

Combination of accumulated sebum and dead skin cells results in grow of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria which eventually leads to formation of pimples.
There are four types of pimples. Cysts and nodules are painful and leave mark on the skin.

Types of Pimples

Papules: Small bumps appear red because of inflammation.
Pustules: Filled with pus red at base.
Nodules: Big in size, very painful.
Cysts: Filled with pus and very painful rooted deep in skin. Leaves mark on skin.

Types of Acne

Acne vulgaris: Acne vulgaris is most common type of acne mainly found in young adults during puberty. Occurrence of acne vulgaris is believed to be excess secretion of sebum caused by androgenic hormones.
Cystic acne: When acne develops into cysts it is known as cyctic acne. Cyctic acne is most pain giving form of acne.