PATHOPHYSIOLOGY


Acne is the end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take place at the level of the oil pore(pilosebaceous follicle).

Greater amounts of oil may be produces within the sebaceous gland due to hormonal changes. The scale produced on the inside walls of the hair follicle becomes stickier, and it builds up and blocks the pore.This shows up as whiteheads and blackheads.

The bacteria grow and multiply in the retained oil. The sebum acts as a nutrition source for the bacteria, which in turn releases chemicals within the pore.

These alert and attract white cells from the blood, and that’s what leads to inflammation, and the inflammation is seen as pimples or zits (papules and pustules).

As these inflamed hair follicles (pores) and glands enlarge, the surrounding skin also becomes inflamed and may lead to even larger lumps and cysts (also called nodules).

Inflammation may damage the cells that make collagen. Less collagen production causes thinning of the skin, which is seen as depressed scars. Occasionally, collagen production will increase, which then causes the scars to become thickened.