Some Statistics on the Prevalence of Acne
Acne is considered as one of the most widespread skin diseases
in the United States. It affects almost one hundred percent
of the entire population. In general, this skin condition develops
prevalently in puberty and until the early 20’s - but it is
not contagious.
This skin disorder is caused by the excess production of
sebum, a specific type of oil produced through the sebaceous
glands. Acne appears in a variety of forms: including whiteheads,
blackheads and mild inflammatory acne. On the other hand, the
more severe types are nodular acnes and cystic acnes. Most people
are susceptible to this skin disease, it affects all ages, genders
and races.
Causes of acne production by the skin may include one or
a combination of factors such as genetics, hormones, chemical
reactions by the body to the medicine intake by the person affected,
use of cosmetics (either oil-based or not), stress, physical
irritation, and environmental factors such as temperature, heat,
and pollutants.
Statistically, 85% of teenagers are likely to suffer from
acne outbreaks between the ages 12 to 24. Additionally, 25%
of these people will generate permanent scars that will range
from light to severe condition. In line with this, the American
Dermatologists Association stated that:
1) 25 % of people undergoing adulthood suffer from active acne.
2) 60 million Americans experience active acne.
3) 20 million Americans are likely to suffer from acne-generated
scars.
4) A maximum of 11% of all acne sufferers seek medical assistance.
5) Acne is regarded as a social taboo.
Also, it was found out that although acne can be completely
treated by various methods, only:
1) 11% of acne-afflicted individuals will seek a physician’s
help.
2) 20% goes to a skin center.
3) 30% will make use of over the counter medications, which
are brought from drugstores and pharmacies to personally treat
acne.
4) 40% will not do anything about their skin disorder.
It was found out through a survey that 75% of prescribed
tretinoin was written for 33-year old patients. Tretinoin is
also used in treating damage skin cells. Also, 63% of prescribed
tretinoin applies for people aged 40.
This skin disorder still remains the most prevalent skin
disease in the U.S.A. This goes to show with other Western regions
as well. The reason points out to the unhealthy diet of many
Americans. However, there is still no statistically proven relation
with diet and acne breakouts. Nonetheless, it is observable
that people who are not following western diets are less likely
to develop severe acne conditions, and in many cases if they
do experience acne it is in the mildest form.
To stress the point, acne is neither caused by dirt, improper
hygiene nor unhealthy diet. Ultimately, it is due to the over
excretion of the sebaceous glands found in the middle layer
of the skin or the dermis. The following may cause the overproduction
of the oily substance named sebum in the skin:
• Hormones- over excitability of hormones androgens and testosterone.
• Heat- increased circulation and extreme body heat due to vigorous
activities.
• Friction- tight clothing may irritate the skin and induce
the skin to produce extra sebum.
• Irritation- over scrubbing of the skin.
• Poor diet- lack of certain essential minerals and vitamins
such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E.
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