International Journal of Drug Development and Research

Keywords

Pimples, Quality of life, food habits, comedo, acne vulgaris, P.acne

Introduction

Acne vulgaris is a human skin disease characterized by areas of seborrhea (red scaly skin), comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules and probably scarring[1]. Acne affects the skin regions with the densest sebaceous follicles populations which include face, upper part of chest and the back. Severe acne is marked by inflammation but it can also manifest in non-inflammatory state in moderate cases[1,2]. The disease is supposed to be associated with anxiety and depression resulting in social disunion[3]. Hair follicles can be inflamed, especially on the face, chest and back. This inflammation is called acne. Acne affects many individuals, especially in their teens, but can persist well into adulthood. Acne is marked by excess oil production by hair follicles, when the follicles are irritated and when the pores get plugged which leads to (opening of the follicle) leads to increased bacteria in the follicles.

According to W.H.O: Acne is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units in the skin of the face, neck, chest and upper back. It initially appears during the onset of puberty at the time when androgenic stimulation triggers excessive production of sebum and abnormal follicular keratinization, colonization by a Gram-positive bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes) and local inflammation. P. acne produces inflammation through the production of extracellular products such as lipases, proteases, hyaluronidases and chemotactic factors[4].

Types of Acne

· Mild acne—this includes whiteheads (closed clogged pores) and blackheads (clogged pores that are open at the skin surface and more easily noticeable).

· Moderate or severe inflammatory acne includes whiteheads and blackheads plus papules (reddened areas that are elevated above the skin surface) and areas of pustules (pimples—small bumps on the skin that contain visible fluid).

· Nodulocystic acne—nodules are deeply embedded solid, often painful lesions. These may develop additional infections and may eventually lead to scarring if not treated. Nodules can be greater than 5 mm in diameter.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of Acne vulgaris is multifactorial, while the key factor is genetics[5]. If both parents had acne, 75% of children will have acne. If 1 parent had acne, then the probability becomes 25%. However, similar to other genetic conditions, not every family will have the same pattern and sometimes skipping of generations is observed.

Retention hyperkeratosis is the first identified event in the development of acne vulgaris[6]. The exact underlying cause of this hyperproliferation is not yet understood. Presently, 3 leading hypotheses have been proposed to explain why the follicular epithelium produces cells at a faster rate that are retained in individuals with acne.

First, androgenic hormones have been referred to as the initial trigger[7]. Comedones, result from follicular plugging. Additionally, it has been noticed that androgen hormone receptors are present in sebaceous glands. This gives the reason why individuals with malfunctioning androgen receptors do not develop acne[8].

Secondly, excess sebum production is another key factor in the development of acne vulgaris. Sebum production and excretion are regulated by a number of different hormones including androgens and mediators[9].

As a result, inflammation may be a primary phenomenon or a secondary phenomenon. Most of the evidence suggests a secondary inflammatory response to P acne infestation. Interleukin 1-alpha expression has also been identified in microcomedones, and is supposed to have a role in the development of acne[10].

The main and the third underlying cause of acne is a genetic predisposition. The condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with incomplete penetrance.

Acne lesions: As already discussed, acne lesions mark the onset of the disease. Table 1 discusses various types of acne lesions which are associated in low or high frequency.

Affected Age Group

During adolescence, acne vulgaris is more common in males than in females. In adulthood, acne vulgaris is more common in women than in men. Acne vulgaris may be present in the first few weeks and months of life, when a newborn is still under the influence of maternal hormones and when the androgen-producing portion of the adrenal gland is disproportionately large. This neonatal acne tends to resolve spontaneously. However, the neonate should be treated with a mild retinoid to clear out the impacted follicles. Adolescent acne usually begins with the onset of puberty, when the gonads begin to produce and release more androgens. Acne is not limited to adolescence. Twelve percent of women and 5% of men at age 25 years have acne. By age 45 years, 5% of both men and women still have acne[11]. Table 2 represents age-wise prevalence of acne.

Socioeconomic Factors and Acne

The spell of acne is not as widespread in the rural society as it is in the industrialized and modern society. Substantial attempts are being made to find concrete evidence of the relationship between diet and acne. However, alarming glycemic indices have seemed to play a pivotal role in the development of acne. The prevalence of acne in Inuit people (Eskimo) increased with their transition towards the western living (acculturation) has been reported by Schaefer and Bendiner. Surveys of disease in some rural African villages in Kenya, Zambia, and the Bantu in South Africa reported far less cases of acne than is found in the descendants of these communities now residing in UK or the United States. It has been reported by Necropsies and others that in a location where there was little use of modern facilities and vegetarian food habits, the rates of incidence of acne were found to be rare. In a report, two populations, i.e., Kitavan Islanders of Papua New Guinea and Ache hunter gatherers of Paraguay have been observed. These two communities have not shown even a single case of acne. It has been hypothesized that the populations in the urban area are more affected with acne than in non-urban stretches. Glycemic index has been proposed for the same, which is lower in non-western diets. Higher glycemic index are reported to cause hyperinsulinemia, which most probably, initiates sequence of endocrine events which affect the sebaceous glands and follicular keratinization. A cross-sectional study of 2214 healthy adolescents of Arequipa and Peru, reported a low prevalence of acne of moderate-to-severe type, i.e., significantly less in Indians (28%) than in Mestizos (43%) or whites (45%). It was hypothesized that ethnic differences are responsible for this difference rather than distinct socioeconomic situation or alimentary or hygienic habits. In another study on 9955 school children (age 6-16 years) in a rural region in Brazil, only 2.7% were found to suffer from acne vulgaris[12].

Dietary Role in Acne

A lot has been written on this subject over the past few years. The role of diet in acne is gradually being ascertained. Molecular mechanisms postulated as responsible for the stimulation of the pilosebaceous unit are logical and scientific. Reports are available to establish the relationship between dietary manipulation and the acne associated with biochemical and endocrine parameters. Also, the statistical association between acne and dairy is strong[13].

Milk and dairy products

Excessive milk and dairy products intake has been reported to induce acne either depending upon fats or due to hormones. Today 75% to 90% of marketed milk and milk products are being derived from pregnant cows. Hence, milk contains hormones like placenta-derived progesterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) precursors, including 5H-pregnanedione and 5 H -androstanedione. These compounds can be easily converted to DHT (the accepted prime acnegen) in a few enzymatic steps. The enzymes required to mediate the change are present in the human pilobaceous unit. It has been proposed that 5 H - reductase inhibitors might block the final conversion to DHT. But, blockade of 5 H -reductase cannot serve the purpose of acne management as the chemicals have already undergone 5 H -reduction—in the bovine mammary gland. These precursors arrive at the pilosebaceous unit with no need for further 5 H - reduction, a situation that exposes humans to potent agonists for which we are unprepared by any evolutionary defense mechanism.

Just the steroid hormones in milk are not of primary concern. It contains also prolactin, somatostatin, growth hormone releasing factor-like activity, gonadotropin- releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid- stimulating and thyrotropinreleasing hormones, numerous steroid hormones, insulin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), IGF-1 and -2, transforming growth factors (TGFs), vitamin D, transferrin, lactoferrin, many prostaglandins including F2H, erythropoietin, bombesin, neurotensin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, various nucleotides, cyclic adenosine monophosphate and guanosine monophosphate, B-casomorphins, and even relaxin. The concentrations of above listed compounds vary among species and the lacta and pregnancy stage. Most of these are growth enhancers and increase sebum production. Milk is, after all, specifically designed to make things grow.

Intake of milk during adolescence is generally associated with history of teenage acne. There are evidences that these associations are not a result of fat content of milk. Instant breakfast drink, cream cheese and cottage cheese are also reported to be associated with acne. These associations may be because of the milk content of these foods [13-19].

Fibrous diet

Inclusion of fibres in the food is a good food habit and 30% dietary fibre per day is reported to decrease the acne instances. This effect would be a result of low glycemic load. High fibre and low fat diet is known to decrease the sebum production in adults and such diet has been reported by Smith et al.,[20].

Fish and sea foods

Fish and sea foods are rich in omega-3–fatty acids and intake of such foods is correlated with lower rates of incidence of acne episodes. Omega-3-fatty acids is a proved leukotriene B4–inhibitor. Inhibition of latter reduces the sebum production and improves the inflammatory condition of acne.

Apart from omega-3- fatty acids, fish and sea- foods are rich in polyunsaturated fats. Both omega-3- fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats are known to decrease the androgen levels. Hence, larger intake of seafoods may decrease the incidences of acne [13-20].

Chocolate

Fulton et al. [21] proved that the intake of about ten times of chocolate that is found in chocolate bars did not affect the cause of acne vulgaris and sebum production. The age old idea of co- relation of chocolate intake with acne was proved wrong.

General Measures for Acne Skin

· Patience– Acne is reported to increase the stress. Therefore, it becomes essential to be patient and not to expect miracles [22]. Outburst of acne can be accompanied with an increase in anxiety levels and a decrease in confidence levels of those affected, mostly the teens, which might even end up into depression or suicidal tendencies. Stress management, therefore, needs to be kept into consideration for effective acne treatment [3].

· Face washing– It is believed that overwashing of acne afflicted area and scrubbing can exacerbate the condition. But studies recommend washing the face twice daily with a mild cleanser. This practice can increase convenience of the patient the anti-acne efficacy also [23]. Soaps should not be used to clean the acne-prone skin rather cleansers with a pH of 5.5 should be preferred [24].

· Picking on the lesions– Acne scars are reported to be one of the results of selfmanipulations or picking of the comedos [25]. Hence, it is advised not to try picking on them which shall only render the condition worse

· Cosmetics– Selection of over-the-counter cosmetics should be judicious as many ingredients can be allergic to the acne skin and can worsen the condition[26]. Skin care products containing nicotinamide, lactic acid, triethyl acetate/ethyllineolate, and certain plant extracts like Mahonia, tea tree oil and Saccharomyces may contribute to a decrease in acne lesions [24, 27].

· Acne inducing medication– No medication should be taken prior to consultation from a physician. Corticosteroids, neuropsychotherapeutic drugs, antituberculosis drugs and immunomodulating molecules are the classes of drugs known to induce acne [28].

· Regular follow-up visits– Regular followups and appointment with the physician is recommended so as to keep the condition under control and to take care of any cases of allergy or adverse reactions without any delay. Online followups have also been reported equivalent to the official visits [29].

It is worth noting that the primary goal of acne treatment is to minimize permanent skin damage and diminish the probability of recurrence of the same. Although, acne can’t be cured but it can kept under reasonable control adhering to proper guidelines [30]. Acne-care advice preferably should be individualized, and both clinician and patient aware of the limitations. Despite of sufficient evidence, the clinicians cannot issue strict recommendations in relation to diet, hygiene and face-washing and sunlight to patients with acne [31].

Conclusion:

Acne, a non-mortality disease, affects the overall performance of the affected person. Despite the established underlying pathogenesis reasons, food habits and the life-style of the person have also been recognized to affect the disease state. Foods rich in omega-3-fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats, and total fibre content and with low glycemic content are reported to significantly decrease the incidences of acne. Foods rich in milk and dairy products are known to increase the incidences of acne. Apart from these, fast food and the stressful life style have also been reported to increase the acne instances in a few literature reports. Against the common perception of increase of acne with chocolate intake, the review points out a study against this belief. There are strong recommendations for the face-wash schedule and incorporation of agents in cosmetics which decrease the acne. However, there can not be a complete diet chart for the acne patients and set guidelines for the day-to-day life style, but the review has pointed the habits and precautions which have been established to be strongly correlated with acne.

Conflict of Interest

NIL

Source of Support

NONE

Tables at a glance

Table 1 Table 2

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