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Acne is a chronic condition that affects over 85% of adolescents and young adults and is the most common skin disease treated by physicians. A recent study showed that two thirds of teenagers with acne wanted to talk to their physician about their acne, but only one third actually did.

What causes acne?

In order to properly diagnose and treat acne, it helps to understand what happens to induce the condition in the first place. Natural bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes are present in the skin, and people with acne have more of that bacteria in their follicles than people without acne. Inflammation occurs when an enzyme produced by white blood cells damages the wall of the follicle.

As the contents of the follicle move into the dermis an inflammatory response is triggered which results in red bumps, pustules, and nodules. Furthermore, the bacteria will promote formation of free fatty acids which cause additional irritation and inflammation. The key to prevent and treat inflammation is to kill the bacteria and imposes skin irritation.

Acne treatments vary depending on the type of acne; however, thanks to modern technology there are many effective options available. Some of the more effective methods include