Sunday, January 13, 2008

What causes pimples in teenagers?

Clinically pimple is called acne vulgaris. It is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis affecting the hair follicle. It is universal in the middle-to-late teenage years affecting both males and females. Pimple in adolescents is believed to occur as a result of physiological hormonal variations and alterations in hair follicle maturation. Pimples may be induced by drugs containing hormones lime corticosteroids, testosterone, gonadotropins, contraceptives and chemicals like iodides and bromides. Occlusive conditions like heavy clothing and tropical climate are also responsible for acne vulgaris. Some families seem to be particularly affected by acne, suggesting a heritable factor.

It has also been found that bacterial lipases of Propioni bacterium acnes break down sebaccous glands in the surface of face, liberating oil containing highly irritating fatty acids. This results in earliest inflammatory phases of acne.

Pimples are divided into non-inflammatory and inflammatory although both may co-exist. Histologically the non-inflammatory and inflammatory although both may co-exist. Histologically the non-inflammatory pimple is an expanding mass of lipid and Keratin within the mid portion of the hair follicle. This results in the dilation of follicles and follicular epithelium and also sebaccous glands atrophy. Inflammatory pimples are characterised by erythematous papules, nadules and postules. In such inflammatory acne administration of antibiotics like tetracycline is advised. This inhibits the lipase production by bacteria and gives better relief.

The synthetic Vitamin A derivative namely B-cis retinoic acid has brought about remarkable clinical improvement in cases of severe acne.

Persons with pimples are advised to wash th e face twice a day with soap and hot water. Sunshine helps to clear pimples. They are also advised to drink a lot of water and get enough sleep.