Acne
Acne is a disorder of the skin's pilosebaceous unit. Our skin is a coating rich in tiny cavities. These small cavities of the skin are called hair follicles from which hair grows. The hair follicle, the hair shaft, and the sebaceous glands are collectively called the pilosebaceous unit. The pilosebaceous unit is a complex, dynamic, 3-D structure where unique biochemical, metabolic, and immunological processes occur. The sebaceous gland secretes sebum into the hair follicles through its ducts.
Sebum is a mixture of fatty materials like triglycerides, wax-esters, squalene, cholesterol, etc. The sebum mixture is secreted on the skin's surface to form a thin oily or fatty film that keeps the skin oily, provides a water-proof coating and protects the body from dehydration. Sebum secretion is stopped when the mouth of the sebaceous gland is blocked. At the same time, various waste products such as hairs, dead skin cells, bacteria, and their debris cannot be excreted from the skin. This is known as acne. Inflammation occurs around the acne. If the blocked face of the sebaceous duct turns red, white, or black, then it is called pimples.
The pathogenesis of acne is a complex process. Hyperplasia of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, subsequent over-cell division of keratinocytes in the hair follicle, overproduction of the keratin protein, and Propionibacterium acnes hypercolonization of Propionibacterium acnes are attributed to the pathogenesis of acne. In addition, some proteins involved in the body's immune response, such as the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor, high sebum concentration, and inflammation, are considered responsible for instigating acne. Acne is a major concern for dermatologists. Acne vulgaris is the single most common skin disease, affecting approximately 75% of adolescent boys and 70% of adolescent girls. Acne can affect any age. In addition, digestive problems, sleep problems, alcohol, and the effects of hormones during adolescence cause acne. Hereditary factors are also one of them. [Md. Shahdat Hossain]
