Acne Vulgaris Causes & Myths - OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Conditions & Diseases: Skin Diseases & Disorders

Acne Vulgaris

Causes & Myths

Causes of Acne Vulgaris: Although the exact causes of Acne are unknown, researchers do know that hormones (the male hormone androgen) and genetics are the main culprits behind acne vulgaris.

According to Dr. Howard L Sofen, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA , "Acne develops when the sebaceous glands in a person's skin make extra oil (sebum). This oil combines with cells that line the walls of these glands and clogs the person's skin pores."

It is widely believed that hormones, or actually the male hormone androgen, can overstimulate the production of sebum in some people. "These (androgens) increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne." (2)

Girls and young women often see an "outbreak" of acne just prior to the menstrual cycle. The hormonal surge can lead to the overproduction of sebum which leads to more acne.

Genetics, or heredity, can also play a role. The National Institute of Health states: "Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder." (2)

External factors which can cause acne to be worse include the following:

Drugs that cause changes or increases in hormone levels.
Oil from skin care products and cosmetics.
Cooking oil and greese from working in a kitchen or restaurant.
Pressure or skin constraint caused by sports equipment, tight uniforms or clothing, hats, etc.
High humidity or pollution.
Hard scrubbing of the skin. Gentle exfoliation is okay though.

Myths about the causes of acne have become urban legends. The most popular is that greasy foods and chocolate are to blame. However, there is little to no evidence that either have any effect on most people.

Page Last Modified:
12/01/2011

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