FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RAGARDING ACNE: 1.
How does acne develops ? Acne is primarily a disease of the
adolescent.It occurs due to
increased secretion of hormones such as testosterone and dihydro testosterone which in turn leads to increased activity of sebaceous glands leading to increased secretion of sebum rich in lipids.Abundance of lipid rich in sebum leads to proliferation of bacteria called propioniobacterium that produces an enzyme,lipase which lyses triglycerides present the sebum and releases free fatty acids.These free fatty acids cause increased follicular kertinization and obstruction of hair follicle opening.Follicular obstruction leads to acne formation.
2.what are the predisposing factors for development of acne ? There are number factors known to cause acne and are as follows Psychological stress and depression Hormonal disorders such as cushing’s disease ,polycystic ovarian disease etc. Genetic factors (hereditory) Application of cosmetics containing lanolin,petrolatum,vegetable oils etc. Environmental factors such as high temperature and high humidity Many drugs such as anti epileptic,anti tuberculous ,oral steroids,oral contraceptive pills ,anti depression drugs,anabolic steroids such as danozol etc.
3.Is it associated with dust or diet ? No.. It is not associated with dust or diet or dendruff. Some patients often feel that certain diets excerbate their acne but there is no scientific proof for this.
4.Is it familial ? yes it is known to occur in the family to certain extent
5.Is it controllable ? yes, it is a self limiting condition seen in adolescents,subsides on its own even without
treatment in most of the cases. In addition to this we have drugs and other modalities of treatment such as laser treatment,surgical treatment for treating the resistant cases. So no need to be panic and don’t try to do any self medication
6.Does cosmetics cause acne ? yes,application of certain cosmetics containing lanolin,petrolatum etc cause acne called as acne cosmetica.
7.Does drugs cause acne ? There are many drugs such as antituberculous drugs,antiepileptic drugs,antidepressives,steroids,oral contraceptive pills etc. known to cause acne (acne medicamentosa)
8.Does stress has any role in causation of the acne ? yes, to certain extent stress ,emotion and depression known to cause acne 9.How long the treatment should be taken ?
please remember that treatment for acne is in terms weeks and not in days. Minimum duration of treatment is 3-4 weeks and it may be prolonged in resistant cases