Acne is caused by 4 main factors in the skin. It can be very mild, presenting as blackheads and whiteheads, or it can be very severe which can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. Acne is mostly seen on the face but can also appear on the chest, upper back and shoulders.
Excessive oil Excessive oil (sebum) production that accumulates in the pores.
P.acnes Bacteria called p.acnes that live in the pores and cause inflammation.
Follicular epidermal hyperproliferation Excess production of dead skin cells (follicular epidermal hyperproliferation).
Inflammation All these factors play a role in the cause and severity of acne. The resultant inflammation can range from mild redness to permanent scarring.
Other factors Other factors that contribute to the development of acne are genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance, medications, cosmetic treatments and products and diet & lifestyle.
You may be asked to do a few lab tests depending on the suspected cause of acne. This depends on many factors such as:
You will also be advised on these options as well.