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Adult acne can be very painful

Adult acne is severe among those men who have suffered from acne problems during their childhood. It is also a cause of concern among those women who have attained menopause as well as those who are pregnant.

Acne occurs when skin follicles get blocked by an accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells. Bacteria then move in to feast on the dead cells. The toxic chemicals released by the bacteria add up to the clogging of the skin pores resulting in eruptions.

Acne can occur in the form of white heads, blackheads, papules or cysts. Normally, it is accompanied by swelling and localized inflammation, and can be commonly seen in the face, neck, shoulder and back. But it is the face that bears the brunt of most acne flare-ups.

Hormonal disturbances in the body are another major reason for adult acne. They are largely triggered by Gonadotropins or the sex hormones which are known to affect the activity of sebaceous glands. Androgens too have pronounced affect on acne, especially among males.

Besides this, during pregnancy, there is a continuous shift in the levels of the progesterone and estrogen among women. This can also cause acne. Fortunately, the symptoms tend to be mild and disappear once the pregnancy term is completed.

The menopause period is marked by several irregularities in the hormone levels of the body. There is a steep decline in the production of female sex hormones like progesterone and estrogen. The body also secretes low quantities of androgens. This stimulates the sebaceous glands to secrete sebum which can result in acne.

The normal signs of adult acne are loss of scalp hair, irregular menstrual cycles and changes in the texture of the skin. Adult acne can be aggravated if you are leading an extremely hectic work life. Stress, health problems and emotional distress can indirectly aggravate acne problems.

Adult acne can be controlled by taking appropriate medications to maintain the hormone balance. Anti-androgens or OCP are quite effective in controlling acne. Spironolactone is another antiandrogenic drug which controls acne by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands. Cyproterone, a popular oral contraceptive pill, also helps in reducing acne problems by balancing the levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body. It is estimated to reduce acne by around 75 per cent. However, all acne mediation must be taken under the consultation of a doctor.