Acne Statistics Tables - What Are Your Chances of Getting Acne?

Acne is considered to be one of the most widespread skin diseases in North America. It affects almost every teenager and a much smaller percent of adults. In general, this skin disease develops in puberty and can last until the early 20’s. The encouraging fact is that it is not contagious.

So, what do you think your chances are of avoiding a bout with acne?

Statistically, 85% of teenagers are likely to suffer from acne outbreaks between the ages 12 to 24. Additionally, 25% of these people will generate permanent scars, ranging from minor to severe. Considering these odds, the American Dermatologists Association stated that:

• 25 % of men and women in adulthood suffer from active acne.
• 60 Million Americans experience active acne.
• 20 Million Americans are likely to suffer from acne-generated scars.
• Only 11% of all acne sufferers seek medical assistance.
• Acne is regarded as a social taboo.

Also, it was found out that although acne can be completely treated by various methods, only:

• 11% of individuals with acne will seek a physician’s help.
• 20% of those people will go to a dermatologist.
• 30% will make use of over-the-counter medications, purchased from drugstores and pharmacies to personally treat acne.
• 40% will do nothing about their skin disorder.

A survey found that 75% of prescribed tretinoin was written for 33 year old patients. Tretinoin is also used in treating damage skin cells. Also, 63% of prescribed tretinoin is used by people aged 40 and up.

Most people are susceptible to this skin disease; it affects all ages, genders and races. Causes of acne may include one or a combination of factors. These factors are genetics, hormones, chemical reactions by the body to medications, use of cosmetics, stress, physical irritation, and environmental factors (such as temperature, heat, and pollutants).

This skin disorder still remains the most prevalent skin disease in the United States and Canada. This is consistent with statistics for other Western regions as well. The suspected cause points to the unhealthy diet of many Westerners. However, there is still no statistically proven relationship between diet and acne breakouts.

Nonetheless, people who are not following Western diets are far less likely to develop severe acne conditions. If they do experience acne, in many cases it is in the mildest form.

To stress the point, acne is neither caused by dirt, improper hygiene nor unhealthy diet. Ultimately, it is due to the over excretion of the sebaceous glands found in the middle layer of the skin. The following may cause the overproduction of the oily substance named sebum in the skin:

• Hormones - over excitability of hormones, like androgens and testosterone.
• Heat - increased circulation and extreme body heat due to vigorous activities.
• Friction - tight clothing may irritate the skin and induce the skin to produce extra sebum.
• Irritation - scrubbing of the skin too intensely.
• Poor diet - lack of certain essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A and E.