Clinical Dermatology
At Alaska Dermatology and Laser Center
Acne
Acne is a disease of the pilo sebaceous unit (the hair follicle and oil gland). The oil normally passes from the sebaceous gland or oil gland into the hair shaft and onto the skin. Many factors play a role in the cause of acne (i.e. hormones, heredity, bacteria, etc.)
With the increased oil production around puberty and through life, some hair follicles plug or form a micro comedone. This may cause a pustule due to bacterial growth and rupture of the hair follicle which causes a reaction in the skin which can evolve from a micro comedone or plugged follicle to a pustule or cystic reaction. Acne may persist to some degree throughout life.
Treatment of acne varies according to severity;
