In a search to find out what causes acne lets take a step back in time. Acne is essentially a disease of the sebaccous glands; yet there must evidently by some cause affecting the system where by this diseased action of the glands is induced. for it seems certain that the starting point of the acne is the change in the nature of the secretion, so that the oily matter no longer flows out of the gland but remains in a hardened condition. It is also established by experience that acne can be and is often induced by derangements affecting other parts of the body.
There is a well established relation between the diet and the occurrence of acne. Thus in many people a crop of pimples is sure to appear after eating buckwheat cakes or mince pie; in other individuals cheese, nuts, raisins and pastry induce acne. In some cases pimples can be traced directly to the abuse of alcoholic, this is frequently the case in those instances of acne which occur in older people. The condition of the bowels also seems to have a direct connection with the appearance of acne on the face; many individuals who suffer from pimples are troubled with habitual constipation, and procure relief from the acne only after the bowels are regulated. Sometimes the appearance of pimples is a regular sequel to over indulgence in the pleasures of the table.
It seems from the above statements that diet may play a roll in what causes acne. It is a curious and familiar fact that acne never makes its appearance before puberty and is most luxuriant during the ten years following this period, and that it subsides spontaneously in early manhood, usually by the thirtieth year. Acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands, when these glands become stopped up so the material which is secreted in the little sac cannot escape there results an accumulation of this oily material in the sac. This sac is therefore gradually distended, and becomes large enough to make a little elevation on the skin. Meanwhile the oily matter located in the pore of the skin has usually absorbed enough dust and dirt to become black, hence the name black head.
In some people these distended sacs remain for a considerable time without undergoing further change; in others the matter accumulates constantly, until finally a considerable lump appears, which is know as a wen. This happens with especial frequency when the sebaccous glands of the scalp become stopped up. But in the majority of cases the pressure of the distended sac on the tissues around it causes an inflammation. This manifests itself by redness and by swelling; in this way the familiar pimple is developed. Sometimes there occurs nothing more than a red swelling, but in the majority of cases the inflammation proceeds until matter is formed around the distended sebaccous sac, making the pustule which so often disfigures the face. In all cases success can be hoped for only after persevering use of the remedies, both those for application to the skin and those which are designed to improve the condition of the digestive organs.
Cases are found which seem to resist almost all measures of treatment; such individuals have at least the consolation that the affection will yield to time, even if all medicines prove unavailing. The treatment of acne is one of the most troublesome undertakings which the physician is ever called upon to perform. this difficulty arises doubtless from the fact that it is often impossible to locate the source of the disease. For as has been said the starting point of the affection may be found in derangements of the various digestive organs; while on the other hand the individual gives absolutely no other signs of disease than are manifest on the face. In general it is necessary to secure regular evacuations of the bowels. this may be accomplished in the way indicated while speaking of constipation; the use of a glass or two of mineral water, or of a wine glass full of the liquid citrate of potassium, will be one of the preparatory steps in the treatment of acne.
Lets return to the present and see if we can find what causes acne today. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. The cause of acne is unknown.
The process by which a pimple develops is highly intricate. While we do know that a pore collapses on itself and blocks sebum (oil) from escaping, we don't fully understand why this process takes place in one sebaceous gland versus another. Causes of adult acne and teen acne may include hormones, diet, evolutionary biology, vitamin deficiency, stress, and more. The real explanation may be a complex mix of many of these factors. Even today it seems that diet may play a roll in what causes acne. Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why you should treat the problem with an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins.
It looks like our search to find what causes acne still continues today, but now we have better means to fight the pimples when they pop up. Since we don't know what causes acne, maybe our time is better spent finding a tested and effective treatment for acne.
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