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Acne
What are the causes?
Acne is caused by an abnormal response of the skin to generally normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. Both men and women produce testosterone and this hormone controls the oil production in the skin. In acne the oil glands become hypersensitive to testosterone leading to increased oil production, a partial blockage in the pore that allows oil to drain on to the surface of the skin. Eventually this leads to pooling of oil within the hair shaft, inflammation, infection and the development of red and then pussy spots.
Acne is a self limiting condition but it is impossible to predict how long it will last. Seventy percent of people will resolve within four or five years but other patients may suffer from acne for decades before it eventually resolves. During the time that it is active acne can cause significant scarring of the skin and can also have a profound effect on the psychological well being of the sufferer.
Background
| How is it treated? 
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