Myths and misconceptions about acne

Acne is a skin disease very common and it is estimated that four out of five teenagers have skin lesions more or less intense. Nothing too surprising therefore if the more outlandish ideas running around this inconvenience. Small bestiary ideas.

Acne is due to food

No. The food does not play virtually no role in the occurrence of acne. In reality, this condition is due to closure of hair follicles. Following an excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands, the pores become blocked leading to the appearance of a black dot or comedones, microcysts or white. Subsequently, the development of inflammation within the follicles and infection of them by a bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes, causes buttons (papules, pustules and nodules). Stress may also promote acne through hormonal changes. If you have acne, so you can eat cold meats, cheeses and more generally the products you love, including chocolate. But, it is recommended to have a balanced diet.

Acne is a disease of youth, who then disappears

This is not entirely false, because the majority of severe acne are encountered in adolescents and young adults. But, unlike what has been said for years, acne has nothing to do with "solitary pleasures" and does not disappear with the marriage. Its greater frequency in adolescents due to the fact that the secretion of sex hormones including androgens by the adrenal glands are stronger in this period of life. This hormone stimulates the secretion activity of the sebaceous glands. Contrary to popular belief, the first signs of acne appear at puberty not but a little before. Indeed, it is between 6 and 10 years since the adrenal glands begin to synthesize sex hormones and sebum begins to be produced. Furthermore, we also encounter acne in babies a few weeks, which could be linked to passage through the placenta of the mother hormone. Finally, some forms of acne, especially those known as "rosacea" or drug-induced acne, also affect adults.

Acne is due to poor hygiene

This is not true. The formation of comedones, which are the most characteristic lesion of acne has nothing to do with hygiene but is merely an excessive amount of sebum within the follicle. Instead, some adolescents aggravate their injuries in the cleaner too drastic, increasing local inflammation and delays healing. Excessive washing is, moreover, to enable the formation of sebum. If you have acne, avoid touching the buttons and use a mild soap like creamy bath. We find different types of pharmacy.

Acne is contagious

Although acne lesions contain a small bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes, the disease can be transmitted to others. Indeed, the development of Propionibacterium is inside the hair follicles and the absence of air and oxygen. You can totally reassure you on this point. Many people without acne also host to the natural state of Propionibacterium in their skin.

Acne cure with the sun

In fact, the sun is a false friend in acne. At first, it dries the lesions by increasing the thickness of the skin. And thus, the buttons disappear. In addition, they are seen less as a result of tanning. But once the sun gone, the damage soaring again. Beware, many drugs prescribed for acne-cons indicate exposure to sunlight. It is therefore better protect yourself and in any case, do not use tanning oil because the application of fats on skin acne is not recommended. Prefer to use a sunblock.

Acne banned makeup

The makeup is possible, but the condition of using non-comedogenic, like those found in pharmacies. Some tinted creams (Dermablend ™), sold in pharmacies, are also specifically designed for people suffering from acne. In all cases, you really remove makeup every day and clean the skin. Or apply your day cream or night on clean skin.

Acne prohibits pill

Hormones influence the appearance of acne. However, the presence of an acne-cons do not indicate the administration of an oral contraceptive, which can otherwise lead to even improved health. But the gynecologist may choose to prescribe a pill containing a low androgenic progestin, fairly high dose estrogen, or a pill Diane 35 type, equipped with anti-androgenic effects. Moreover, taking contraception is mandatory in young women treated with Roaccutane ©. Indeed, this drug is certainly very effective in severe acne but can exert teratogenic effects on the fetus.

 

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