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These bacteria produce chemicals that attract white blood cells which, in turn, causes inflammation. The four signs of inflammation: swelling, redness, heat, and pain, are a characteristic reaction of tissues to disease or injury. When wall of plugged pore breaks down, it spills everything into nearby skin--sebum, shed skin cells, and bacteria--causing pimples.
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. Perhaps most important factor is increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both sexes during puberty and cause sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. Another important factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers have found that a tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. Using greasy cosmetics may also contribute by altering cells and plugging pores.
While many people think that acne treatment is simply popping each pimple as it appears, this method will actually make your condition worse in long run. This process is likely to lead to unsightly and life-long scarring. Reliable and dependable acne treatment requires a certain amount of patience since medications may not work initially. You may have to try several medications before finding one that works for you. As with most other medical conditions there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution for treatment of acne.
Despite possible difficulties, acne is a treatable condition. The goals are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring and minimize psychological stress that comes from decreased self-esteem, anger, depression and frustration caused by appearance of pimples.
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business dedicated to providing information and resources on a variety of topics. If you would like a doctor's office full of information to help you better understand, prevent, and treat acne, visit http://www.AcneDesk.com