Scientists Explore Causes, Cures of Acne and Related Skin Conditions

The term "acne" is often used to refer to common skin blemishes that nearly everybody develops from time to time. However, these two types of skin conditions are actually distinct from one another.

Whereas a simple "pimple" or "zit" is a temporary infection that occurs as the result of a pore being temporarily blocked by dirt, makeup, or another type of residue, acne is actually a disease of the skin that has little to do with a person's diet, cleanliness, grooming, or hygiene.

Although acne can afflict post-pubescent people in any age group, it is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. Researchers believe that the hormonal upheavals that take place during this transitional phase may be responsible for the high incidence of acne among this group, but the exact reasons remain unclear. In addition, the fact that adults also suffer from acne indicates that hormonal changes are not the only culprit behind the disease.

Indeed, much about the causes and risks for acne remains unclear. Researchers around the world are dedicating substantial investigative resources to the effort to better understand this skin disease that afflicts as many as 85% of all adolescents at some point. This week, we'll take a look at a few key findings culled from recent acne studies.

New Drug Represents Major Breakthrough in Acne Treatments

Over the past several decades, scientists have developed a number of acne treatments that have proven to be quite effective. The most well-known treatment is a drug known as Roaccutane, which can significantly reduce the amount of sebum in the skin, which is the substance that is believed to be largely responsible for acne flare-ups.

However, despite its efficacy as an acne treatment, Roaccutane is associated with a number of unpleasant side effects, ranging in seriousness from depression to birth defects. Although unsubstantiated, past studies have uncovered a possible link between Roaccutane and an increased risk of suicide among teenage acne patients.

For obvious reasons, the development of alternative treatments that offer the efficacy of Roaccutane without the deleterious side effects has long been a goal of acne researchers. The results of an ongoing study conducted by scientists at a private research firm in England seem to indicate that this long-held goal may soon be realized.

Although the new treatment remained unnamed at press time, the study has shown that the drug holds significant promise as a safe, effective acne treatment. The first release of the product will likely be in a topical cream form, and according to company officials, it represents an entirely new class of anti-acne treatments. Following further testing and government approval, the new product may be available for prescription use within two years.

Women More Likely to Develop Adult Acne, Study Shows

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama in Birmingham has indicated that women run a much greater risk of developing acne as adults than do their male counterparts. Although rates of adult acne declined significantly during each decade of life, women consistently reported higher rates of acne than men.

The largest differences between the two groups were seen in the 40-50 and 50-60 age groups. In these categories, women acne sufferers outnumbered males nearly 2 to 1.

The researchers indicated that hormonal differences between men and women may be responsible for the discrepancy in reported cases of acne. However, they cautioned that further research would be needed in order to pinpoint the source of the differences between male and female acne sufferers with better accuracy.

Researchers Show that Stress Does Impact Acne

The debate over the role of stress in acne has raged for decades in the medical community. The conventional wisdom has long held that stress can cause acne, while scientists have long countered that stress does not play a precipitating role in the skin disease.

This decades-long controversy may finally be put to rest with the release of the results of a study conducted by scientists at the University of Miami?s Miller School of Medicine. According to the investigation, stress doesn't cause acne -- but it can worsen and aggravate the skin condition.

Although more research will be needed to further explain the role of stress in acne, the scientists suggested that patients should incorporate stress-relief measures such as yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises into their skin-care routine.

If you're struggling with acne, talk to your doctor to find out how you can use the latest research to fine-tune your treatment regimen. And don't forget to check back each week for more of the health science news you need!