Why Adults Can Have Acne
Posted on 15. Jan, 2009 by admin in Acne Questions
Setting age aside, acne is a medical condition that occurs in the sebaceous glands. These glands, that are attached to hair follicles, produce oils known as sebum. When a zit forms, medically speaking, the follicle is being plugged by oils and dead cells causing an acne lesion. Excess production of sebum from the sebaceous glands is linked to higher levels of androgenic hormones (male hormones) in the body, which is something usually associated with puberty. The reason why acne continues into adulthood could be for these reasons:
- Acne that once cleared during adolescence is reoccurring.
- Acne that occurs for the first time could be linked to medication, exposure to certain chemicals, metabolism, or physical pressure applied to the skin.
- Acne tends to flare up after a time of relative quiet, for example while a woman is pregnant.
Keep in mind that lesions appearing on the skin are not always acne. Folliculitis often occurs during adulthood and is completely separate from acne in that it involves the hair follicles individually and requires a much different form of treatment.
Unfortunately, acne during adulthood may be very difficult to treat if there are recurrences. Many patients with severe acne undergo tons of treatments with various drugs throughout their lifetime.
