For a ridiculous number of years acne has been the torment of both sexes during their teenage years, and, a subject rarely mentioned. Folk who have suffered with acne have been remorselessly tormented and reased, and horrifically christened with a name such as zit face. Only those who have actually suffered from acne can sympathize how heartlessly cruel such name throwing can really be. Over the last few decades interesting enigmas have unveiled themselves in the causes and symptoms of acne which have also resulted in more effective treatments.

Acne is the name of an inflammatory skin disease commonly presenting itself in teenagers. Acne reveals itself by the excessive production of sebum from sebaceous glands in the hair follicles which eventually become blocked. It can cause a malfunction in the follicles and pores in the skin of the face, arms and back but also including that of the chest. Those pores and follicles which have become blocked are medically labeled as comedo.

The comedone are the the plugs which block the pores which is made up of sebum and keratin. A comedo is referred to as being closed or open. An open comedo is what most people call a ‘blackhead’, whereas the closed comedo is what most people call a ‘whitehead’.

Once a comedone has formed it is usually followed by the most noticeable and unpleasant symptom of acne – spots. First the comedone becomes infected and with this comes redness and inflammation of the skin, which then leads to an outbreak of pimples. The spots usually become filled with pus and the skin surrounding the spot looks very red and is sore to the touch.

There are two types of bacteria responsible for the inflammation and infection in acne, these are called Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. As well as being responsible for the formation of pus filled pimples, acne abcesses and cysts can develop.

Our Scientists have made great advances in the knowledge of those processes involved in the development of, and the treatment of, acne. Upsetingly there has little or no increase in the knowledge of the reasons for the development of acne. However, it is almost globally accepted thata selection of factors, such as diet, stress and hormone levels can all act as triggers for acne.

There are scientists that are researching the fact that our genes may be a factor in acne also. Even if they do not manage to find the exact causes we can be certain that the increased understanding of the disease will help in the creation of new treatments. Hopefully, over the next few decades there will be plenty of acne treatments and cures created and it is also hoped that these will be effective acne treatments.