For many years acne has been the bane of an enormous number of teenage lives, and, a subject not readily discussed. Folk who have suffered with acne have been aggressively teased and tormented, furthermore distgustingly called nicknames such as car crash face. Only those who have actually suffered from acne can truly understand how hurtful and cruel such name throwing can prove to be. Over the years amazing puzzles that have been solved in the causes and symptoms of acne which have also aided the creation of effective acne treatments.

Acne is the name of an inflammatory disease of the skin often found in teenagers. Acne reveals itself in the excess production of sebum from sebaceous glands which can become blocked. It can effect the follicles and pores in the skin of the arms, chest and back as well as the face. those follicles and pores which have become blocked are medically labeled as comedo.

The comedone are those blockages in the pores which is made up of keratin and sebum. A comedo is referred to as being open or closed. An open comedo is what we commonly refer to as a ‘blackhead’, and the closed comedo is what we commonly refer to as a ‘whitehead’.

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

There are 2 types of bacteria responsible for the infection and inflammation in acne, these are called Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. As well as being responsible for the formation of pus filled pimples, acne cysts and abcesses can occur.

Acne treatments and cures: Our Scientists have made incredible moves forward in the comprehension of the process of involved in the creation of, and the treatment of, acne. Astonishingly there has little or no increase in the understanding of why acne occurs. Today, it is usually accepted that a selection of things, for example hormones, diet and stress can all play a part in the role of acne development.

Large numbers of scientists are currently investigating genetic theories about the development of acne. In the long term we will all benefit from this ongoing interest in acne as it should continue to provide more effective acne treatments. It is an unusual fact that, usually, when a single scientific discovery is published it has a knock on effect on other studies and often further crucial discoveries are made sometimes in an unrelated scientific field.