Adult Acne and Teenage Acne

22 May, 2009 No Comment

Acne is an inflammatory disease that affects the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin. It causes pimples and pustules to erupt, usually on the face, neck, and shoulders. It is common in both sexes and all ethnic backgrounds. The median age for patients with acne has increased from 20.5 to 26.5 years of age in recent years. Acne is, by far, one of the most widespread medical conditions worldwide and statistics show that adult acne is on the rise.

Teenage acne
Teenage acne is generally accompanied by oily skin. The excessive oil contributes to the problem by increasing the chances of clogged pores. The appearance of acne often sends teenagers on an emotional roller coaster, as they are anxious to become popular.

Adult acne
Adults with acne may have oily or dry skin. Dry skin can be more problematic because of the mistaken assumption that acne-prone skin should not be moisturized. One advantage adults have over teens during acne breakouts is that adults do not have as many social problems. This saves them from the emotional roller coaster. Wisdom comes with age.

Underlying factors for both teenage and adult acne

• Hormones – Puberty marks the onset of acne problems, as hormone levels change, but they continue well into adulthood. Hormonal changes can be associated with menstrual cycles, birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause.

• Over-secretion of sebaceous glands – The presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging, which can result in acne.

• Clogged pores – Blackheads and/or whiteheads result whenever dead cells mix with the extra sebum in the follicle.

• Bacteria – Bacteria multiply rapidly once follicles become clogged.

• Local inflammation – White blood cells emerge when the body encounters unwanted bacteria, resulting in inflammation, redness, and pain.

Forms of acne
Both teenage and adult acne cause comedones (whiteheads/blackheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

Scarring
Adult acne poses an increased risk of undesirable scarring. The mature skin of adults does not heal as quickly as that of teenagers. Cystic-like lumps, made up of toxic lymph and situated near the jaw line, chin, and cheeks, are characteristic of adult acne. Adults should avoid squeezing these painful lumps because scarring can result.

Teenage acne also causes scarring but, with the correct treatment, young skin usually can bounce back quicker than mature skin.

Treatment
Medications used for teenage acne can also be used for adult acne. Prescription acne treatments differ only in their strength or dosage. The prescription is usually based on body weight. Medications widely used for both types of acne are benzoyl peroxide, topical solutions, medicated cleansing creams, healing/treatment masks, and prescription creams (such as Retin-A and Renova).