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Acne

A chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands embedded in the skin.

Acne is the chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands, normally acquired in adolescence between the ages of 14 and 18, that usually resolves itself by the time the individual is 20-30 years old.

Age of child	Weight	Liquid dose	Elixir	Chewable tablets
		80 milligrams of medication in 0.8 ml	160 milligrams of medication in 5 ml	80 milligrams of medication per tablet
0-3 months	6-11 lbs. (2.7-5 kg)	0.4 ml
4-11 months	12-17 lbs. (5.5-7.7 kg)	0.8 ml	% tsp.	1 tablet
12-23 months	18-23 lbs. (8.2-10.5 kg)	1.2 ml	¾ tsp.	1½ tablets
2-3 years	24-35 lbs. (10.9-15.9 kg)	1.6 ml	1 tsp.	2 tablets
4-5 years	36-47 lbs. (16.3-21.4 kg)	2.4 ml	1% tsp.	3 tablets
6-8 years	48-59 lbs. (21.8-26.8 kg)	2 tsp.	2 tsp.	4 tablets
9-10 years	60-71 lbs. (27.3-32.3 kg)	2% tsp.	2½ tsp.	5 tablets
11-12 years	72-95 lbs. (32.7-43.2 kg)	3 tsp.	3 tsp.	6 tablets

Contrary to popular myth, acne is not caused or aggravated by eating greasy foods or chocolate. Acne is associated with heavy sebum secretion caused by hormones. Androgens (male hormones) stimulate sebum secretion and estrogen (a female hormone) reduces sebum production.

While the tendency to develop acne is passed from parent to child through genetics, certain practices can aggravate acne outbreak. Acne can be caused by mechanical itrritation, including pulling or stretching the skin, as often happens in athletic activities. Taking steroids can also aggravate acne because steroid drugs contain androgens. Adolescent women who use oil-based cosmetics and moisturizers can also have an aggravated case of acne.

The inflammation that defines acne results from the plugging of the sebaceous ducts, which lead from the sebaceous gland to the surface of the skin. Once plugged, the duct becomes inflamed and pustular. In some individuals the acne pustules are few, infrequent, and isolated. In others the condition is pronounced, with widespread pustule development.

Acne is not a debilitating medical condition, but people find it unsightly and may be unduly embarrassed and worried about their appearance. Since the pustules principally appear on the face, they are quite noticeable. Teenagers tend to be more self-conscious than older people, and so even mild acne can be quite distressing.

Manipulating or squeezing acne pustules can cause deep and permanent scarring. Washing the affected area with a germicidal soap and an abrasive sponge will help dislodge the material plugging the duct. Because estrogen inhibits the development of acne, taking birth control pills may alleviate acne in young women. A topical antibiotic may also prove helpful. For deeper acne, injected antibiotics may be necessary.

For Further Study

Books

Fulton, James E. Jr., and Elizabeth Black. Dr. Fulton's Step-by-Step Program for Clearing Acne. New York: Harper and Row, 1983.

Marks, Ronald. Acne: Advice on Clearing Your Skin. New York: Arco Publishing, 1984.

Roberts, Jean. Skin Conditions of Youths 12-17 Years, United States: Prevalence of Facial Acne and Other Skin Conditions of Youths in the United States by Age, Sex, Race, Geographic Region, and Socioeconomic Background. Rockville, MD: U.S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Health Resources Administration, National Center for Health Statistics, 1989.

Willis, Judith Levine. Acne Agony. Rockville, MD: Food and Drug Administration, 1992.