We hear a lot of acne, including its aesthetic consequences among adolescents and treatments, but much less how to make acne pimples. Why are there red spots, black buttons, white? Explanations inside the skin.
Acne, the sebaceous gland in the black button
In adolescents, acne is related to the hormonal surge of puberty.
The skin contains sebaceous glands known that produce an oily substance called sebum.
These sebaceous glands are located in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, and are joined to the hair follicles (which contain a hair). As the sebum is excreted to the surface of the skin by a canal that ends in a pore. In lightly grease the skin, its role is to protect it from external aggressions (wind, cold, sun, pollution ...). This is also the oil that is responsible for the softness of the skin. And finally, the sebum is excreted along with dead skin cells (keratinocytes) and bacteria.
The sebaceous glands are sensitive to sex hormones, puberty is accompanied by increased secretion of sebum. In excess, it is more difficult to evacuate and can overload the excretory duct. Meanwhile, on the surface, the pores can become clogged by the accumulation of dead cells and bacteria, forming the "black button" or "comedo".
Acne, microcysts of the white button
If the black button continues to prevent the escape of sebum, it accumulates under the skin and gives it a "granite" to the touch, this is called a "microcysts".
But this accumulation of sebum is a growth medium for bacteria, which cause inflammation. From the outside, this inflammation results in red spots called papules. These papules may sometimes become very large and form under the skin of painful balls (cysts or nodules). Inflammation can also cause pus that when he sees the surface as the white button or pustule.
According to the people and their skin type, the buttons are mostly rather like black buttons, or inflammatory nodules, although they often coexist.
What cons acne pimples?
Acne is in most cases mild and naturally disappears rather quickly. As for the moderate to severe acne that hinders the daily lives of teenagers (and some adults), it is imperative to consult to find appropriate treatment. Hygiene measures and topical treatments are usually prescribed initially. But they are insufficient, there is a very effective drug (Roaccutane ®), which must weigh the benefits and disadvantages in each case.