Acne vulgaris (or acne ) is a common human skin disease, characterized by areas of skin with seborrhea (scaly red skin), comedones (blackheads and whiteheads ), papules(pinheads), pustules(pimples), nodules (large papules) and possibly scarring . Acne affects mostly skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back.
The lesions are caused by changes in pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, changes that require androgen
stimulation . Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence , and often continues into adult hood. In adolescence, acne is usually caused by an increase in testosterone.
Acne develops as a result of blockages in follicles.
The microcomedo may enlarge to form an open comedone (blackhead) or closed comedone (milia)
Hormonal - Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty , may contribute to the formation of acne. Androgens and Teststerone have been linked to form acne.
Genetic – The tendency to develop acne runs in families .
Psycological -"Increased acne severity" is "significantly associated with increased stress levels."
Propionibacterium acnes bacteria usually causing acne.
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Grade I - The mildest form of acne. The skin will display blackheads, whiteheads or milia, and occasionally minor pimples. There is no inflammation.
Grade II - Considered moderate acne. A greater number of blackheads and whiteheads are on the skin. Papules and pustules are more frequently found.
 Grade III - Moderate to severe acne. Papules and pustules will be more numerous and there will be a greater amount of redness and inflammation found on the skin. Nodules are often present.
 Grade IV - The most severe grade of acne, the skin will display many pustules, nodules, and cysts. Blackheads and whiteheads are numerous.
Dietery Management of Acne -

 Anti acne diet-
Foods which are raw and in their natural states
– a predominately raw food diet – raw fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts (not roasted) and raw seeds. Those are the most important foods which will help you get rid of the toxins and acne quick.
 Vitamin A
Naturally occurring Vitamin A, or retinol, is found in fish oils, liver and dairy products. The Vitamin A produced by plants is known as Beta-carotene, and is found in yellow/orange fruits and vegetable such as carrots, yams, apricots and cantaloupe, as well as green vegetables like parsley, kale and spinach.
Extremely high doses of Vitamin A are toxic, so don’t overdo it.
 Vitamin B-2.
Stress has been known to aggravate existing cases of acne, and Vitamin B-2 is often helpful alleviating stress. Foods with a high concentration of B-2 include whole grains, fish, milk, eggs, meat and leafy green vegetables.
 Vitamin B-3
Found in peanuts, eggs, avocados, liver and lean meats, Vitamin B-3 improves circulation, promoting healthy skin. It also reduces the cholesterol level in the blood and helps you metabolize protein, sugar & fat
– increasing your energy through proper utilization of food.
 Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, broccoli, wheat germ
 and vegetable oils. A powerful antioxidant, it protects your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging byproducts of the body’s metabolism.
Zinc
Even in trace amounts, the antioxidant zinc is known to boost the immune system, improving overall health
– which of course is reflected in the skin. Zinc can be found in eggs, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms.
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Marathahalli clinic – 112, 6 th Cross, Ashwath nagar, Near Kalamandir, Marathahalli
Bridge, Bangalore 560037. Ph – 9900142557, 9900152557