Acne or “pimples” is one of the most common skin conditions in the world. About 85% of the world’s population is affected by acne at some point in life. And, 96% of those affected by acne report feeling depressed, because of it, according to one study. Acne is the inflammation of sebaceous glands- often in association with a bacterial infection of the glands.
Sebaceous Glands
Sebaceous glands are the oil producing glands of the skin. The oil produced is called sebum. The sebaceous glands are present in association with hair follicles. The sebum produced flows unhindered via the sebaceous duct, the follicular opening and onto the surface of the skin.
The problem begins with the accumulation of sebum within the sebaceous duct, which may happen due to one of the following reasons-
Overproduction of sebum
Clogging of the pore/ sebaceous duct
Stages of Acne
Acne evolves in the the following stages- each with progressively increasing severity.
Comedonal acne
Blackheads and whiteheads are referred to as open and closed comedones, respectively. They’re sebaceous glands with accumulated sebum.
Papulopustular acne
Sebum is a nutrition rich medium. Propionibacterium acnes thrives in it. When the skin mounts an immune response against the bacteria growing in the sebum, visible pustules appear.
Nodulocystic acne
When the bacteria ellicit an inflammatory response from the deeper dermis of the skin, painful firm nodules appear. This is the most severe stage of acne and is prone for scarring.
You may read about what triggers acne here.
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