Health Guide

Does Stress Cause Acne

Other names:
Pimples, zits.


Introduction :
A skin disease causing disfiguring pimples, which usually occurs in teenagers.


Types :
Varies from the very occasional spot, to a severely disfiguring form known as acne vulgaris.


Cause :
Pimples are due to a blockage in the outflow of oil (known as sebum) from the thousands of tiny oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin. This blockage can in turn be caused by dirt (uncommon in our super-clean society), dead skin left behind during the normal regular regeneration of the skin surface, or a thickening and excess production of the oil itself. Once the opening of the oil duct becomes blocked, the gland becomes dilated with the thick oil, then inflamed, and eventually infected. The result is a white head, with the surrounding red area of infection. Eventually this bursts, sometimes leaving a scar. The hormonal changes associated with the transition from childhood to adult life is the major aggravating factor in acne. Hormonal variations later in life can also cause changes to the thickness of oil in the skin, and may worsen or improve acne. Pregnancy, menopause and the oral contraceptive pill may all influence pimples in this way. Stress in the patient, either psychological or disease, may cause pimples to worsen. A simple cold, or the onset of exams may see the number of spots increase dramatically. Pressure from spectacles on the bridge of the nose or tight collars, increases in skin humidity from a fringe of hair or nylon clothing, and excessive use of cosmetics that further block the oil duct openings, can all cause deterioration in a person's acne. If your father or mother had acne, you have a greater risk of developing them. Acne is not infectious.


Incidence :
Usually starts in early teenage years. Acne is generally more severe in teenage males, but starts earlier in females. It may strike later in life too, particularly in women. It affects Caucasians (whites) more than Negroes or Chinese races.


Prevention :
The risk of acne may be reduced by keeping the skin clean, but not by excessive washing or scrubbing.


Course :
Acne can vary from the annual spot, to rarely a severe disease that causes significant disfigurement. Usually settles by late teens, but may persist into mid twenties, and rarely may be lifelong.


Treatment :
Although a cure for acne is not normally possible, medical science can usually control the condition adequately. The steps to follow are :- Gently wash the face with a cloth and non-perfumed non-medicated soap twice a day. Use over the counter chemist preparations that work by drying out the oil in the skin, removing any excess skin flakes, and reducing inflammation. A variety of different prescription creams, lotions and pastes that prevent infection, dry up excess oil and reduce inflammation. Antibiotics (see Medication Table) prescribed by a general practitioner, either short or long term, are successful in controlling more severe acne. Some types of oral contraceptive pill (see Medication Table) and other hormones are very useful in controlling the condition, but only in women. In rare cases, the very potent Roaccutane tablets (see Medication Table) may be prescribed.


Diet :
There is no evidence that diet,stress, vitamins or other herbs have any effect on pimples. A small number of sufferers may find that one particular food causes a fresh crop of spots, but these people usually quickly realise this and avoid the offending substance. There is no truth in the old wives tale that acne is worsened by chocolate.


Complications :
Picking acne spots can cause serious secondary infections. Occasionally secondary infections can develop in acne to cause deeper skin infections that require immediate medical attention with antibiotics.


Outcome :
Usually settles with age and medication, but may cause both skin and psychological scarring.


Medical curiosity :
A century ago, doctors believed that constipation was a cause of acne.