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acne

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

acne common inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands characterized by blackheads , whiteheads, pustules, nodules and, in the more severe forms, by cysts and scarring. The lesions appear on the face, neck, back, chest, and arms. There are several types of acne, including tropical acne, a condition of light-skinned people who are exposed to unaccustomed heat and humidity, and chloracne, a form resulting from exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons.

The most common type is acne vulgaris, a form prevalent among adolescents. Although its exact cause is not known, it is undoubtedly related both to genetic predisposition and to the increased hormonal activity that occurs at puberty, which causes an overproduction of sebum, the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands. Exposure to external oils and grease (e.g., oil-based cosmetics or hair products, occupational use of cooking oils) can worsen the condition. There is no connection between diet and acne.

Washing the skin removes surface oils and can prevent acne from spreading. The contents of blackheads and pustular lesions should be evacuated only by a physician under proper aseptic conditions to lessen the possibility of scarring. Application of benzoyl peroxide, retinoic acid, azelaic acid, and antibiotics to the skin can clear many cases; exposure to ultraviolet light may also be used. More severe cases of acne may require oral antibiotic treatment. Treatment of the most resistant cases of acne includes the use of isotretinoin (Accutane), a drug that decreases sebaceous secretions. Isotretinoin is a well-established teratogen (i.e., it causes birth defects) and is not given to women who are pregnant. In the past dermabrasion (scraping off of the top layer of skin) was used to improve the appearance of skin scarred by acne, but such severe effects can now be avoided with proper treatment.

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acne

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition | 2005 | | © A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

acne Inflammatory pustular skin eruption occurring around sebaceous glands, especially around the time of puberty. Not known to be caused or exacerbated by diet, although a low‐fat diet is sometimes recommended. Severe persistent acne may be treated by topical application of retinoids (synthetic vitamin A derivatives).

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acne

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | © World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

acne Inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of the skin resulting in skin eruptions such as blackheads and infected spots; it is seen mostly on the face, neck and back. Acne is common in both sexes at puberty. It does not usually persist beyond early adulthood.

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Related entries from encyclopedias, dictionaries and thesauruses

Free newspaper and magazine articles

Free Article Acne: taming that age-old adolescent affliction.
Magazine article from: FDA Consumer; 10/1/1990
Free Article My daughter has a bad bout of acne. Can you tell me what causes this condition?
Newspaper article from: Tyrone Times (Dungannon, Northern Ireland); 8/14/2007
Free Article Advances in the topical treatment of acne and rosacea.(ARTICLES)
Magazine article from: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; 9/1/2004

Facts and information from other sites

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Acne: taming that age-old adolescent affliction.
Magazine article from: FDA Consumer; 10/1/1990; ; 700+ words ; ACNE Taming That Age-Old Adolescent Affliction Pimples. Nearly...both of the skin and the psyche. Describing 17-year-old acne sufferer Pimples Carson in his book The Wayward Bus, John...that the boy's face was rivuleted and rotted and eroded with acne, and medicines sold to treat it do no good whatsoever. ... Read more
My daughter has a bad bout of acne. Can you tell me what causes this condition?
Newspaper article from: Tyrone Times (Dungannon, Northern Ireland); 8/14/2007; 700+ words ; Acne is a skin condition that affects the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands in the skin, which secrete an oily substance called sebum. Acne is most common on the face, arms, back and chest. The onset of acne is usually around puberty, but in a minority of cases it may also start in adulthood. About... Read more
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Magazine article from: Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication; 2/1/1989; ; 700+ words ; Acne: Yes, There's Help It doesn't seem fair. Just when you begin...set the stage for the Great Breakout--otherwise known as acne. Through no fault of yours, blackheads, whiteheads, papules...where everyone can see them. Is there any help? You, as did acne-prone age groups before you, have every right to ... Read more
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Magazine article from: The Journal of Chinese Medicine; 6/1/2006; ; 700+ words ; Abstract Acne is a common skin disease, especially in...Chinese medicine pattern differentiation for acne is offered, with acupuncture treatment according...is offered for the different patterns of acne, and a sample case history given. Keywords... Read more
Treatment considerations for inflammatory acne: clinical evidence for adapalene 0.1% in combination therapies.
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Magazine article from: Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society; 3/1/2008; ; 700+ words ; Acne vulgaris and its associated scarring and comedones (blackheads...commonly seen in adolescents, but can also occur in adults. Acne is not always an easy condition to deal with because of the...practitioners are frequently called on to assist in the resolution of acne, and homoeopathic medicines should ... Read more
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Magazine article from: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; 5/1/2005; ; 700+ words ; Abstract Acne vulgaris has multiple pathogenic mechanisms...years, knowledge of the pathogenesis of acne has grown to the point where drug combinations...specific pathophysiologic factors underlying acne, and that are validated by clinical trial... Read more
Common and alternate oral antibiotic therapies for acne vulgaris: a review.
Magazine article from: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; 9/1/2007; ; 700+ words ; Abstract Acne vulgaris is an extremely common disorder...throughout their lifetimes. The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial and is thought to involve...Many therapeutic options exist for treating acne, including topical benzoyl peroxide, topical... Read more
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