What is Acne?
In 2015, acne was estimated to affect 633 million people globally, making it the 8th most common disease worldwide. The term acne is used to describe a condition which may include comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), red pimples, and even large nodules.
What causes Acne?
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. The sebaceous (oil) glands that connect to hair follicles secretes an oily substance, which normally softens and lubricates the skin. The oil is excreted into the hair follicles which creates plugging of the hair follicles with dead skin cells.
When there is no inflammation, this leads to closed comedones (whiteheads) or open comedones (blackheads). The black colour is not due to dirt, but rather from chemical changes in the cells. Finally, a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes thrives off of the sebum, overgrows, and attracts your body’s immune cells, leading to inflammation and red bumps or nodules.
At Enverus Medical, we treat all types of acne and acne rosacea with a variety of customized medications and therapies. Make an appointment today with our Dermatologists to learn all about how you can combat acne and feel comfortable in your skin!