Dermatological diseases affect 80% of the population

Acne is a disease that can be suffered at any age, it is an inflammatory condition of the skin and it occurs due to the accumulation of dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria that clog a hair follicle (or pore), causing the formation and appearance of lesions such as pimples, pimples and even abscesses.

According to the Mexican Foundation for Dermatology (FMD), dermatological diseases affect more than 80% of the population, both men and women, especially during puberty due to hormonal influence, but it can even occur at older ages. advanced.

Why happens?

According to the pharmaceutical group SOMAR, puberty is the period of life where acne problems appear, this is due to the increase in hormonal levels that leads to the excessive production of sebum or fatty matter that lubricates and hydrates the skin. , then comes the occlusion of the hair follicle by dead cells and later a proliferation of our skin’s own bacteria; This process causes the appearance of skin lesions, mainly on the face, chest and back, although they can appear anywhere on the skin where there is hair.

“Regarding the causes, there are multiple factors that are related to our pace of life and habits, among which are: hormonal changes due to the consumption of exogenous hormones with erratic distribution (for example, the subdermal implant, the morning-after pill) certain medications (those that contain anabolic steroids, neuropsychiatric treatments such as lithium, among others)”, they explain.

For its part, the Mayo Clinic explains that for many women, acne can persist for decades, with common outbreaks a week before menstruation, however it tends to disappear without treatment when they use contraceptives.

In older adults, a sudden onset of severe acne may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. In any case, it is necessary to see a specialist doctor and start with the appropriate treatment since each skin is different.

Some factors can trigger or worsen acne:

• Hormonal changes. Androgens are hormones that increase in young people during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum.

• Certain medications. Examples include medications that contain corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium.

• Food. Studies indicate that eating certain foods can make it worse.

• Stress. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but if you already have it, it can make it worse.

Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. photo: shutterstock

Main factors that cause acne:

Excess production of fatty matter (sebum).

Hair follicles clogged by oily matter and dead skin cells. bacteria. Inflammation.

Factors that cause acne:

• Excess production of fatty matter (sebum).

• Hair follicles clogged by fat and dead skin cells.

• Bacteria.

• Inflammation.

alba.servin@eleconomista.mx