It all starts with a genetic predisposition and the ability to convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the sebaceous gland due to the presence of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase.

Advertisement

Sebaceous glands enlarge, produce more oil, the skin start shedding more skin cells and clog the pores, and when bacteria enter the scene, things really get going. Now its only a matter of breakage of the follicles and inflammation and you have full-blown acne.

The four factors involved in the development of a pimple, are:

• increased production of oil stimulated by androgenic (male) hormones.


• obstruction of the opening of the follicle caused by increased production of scales.


• infection by a bacterium, namely Propionibacterium acnes.


• rupture (breakage) of the follicle, leading to inflammation.

Genetic factors may play a role. Acne often occurs in families.

Stress may aggravate acne but is not causal. Acne may cause stress.

The earliest lesions of acne are closed comedones (clogged pores not open to the surface, whiteheads) and open comedones (clogged pores open to the surface, blackheads). Breakage of these structures leads to the development of all other lesions.

Read more:
FAQ

 

Print this article

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Senior Secretary Gauteng - North/Sandton Infrastructure Resource Gauteng - Johannesburg Management Accountant R450,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Manager R350,000-400,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial and Project Accountant R300,000-360,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Accountant R380,000-420,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg SSIS Business Intelligence Specialists (SSIS; SSAS) R350,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - North/Sandton Financial Accountant R350,000-450,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - South Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job