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Definition
A skin disease caused by the over activity of the oil (sebaceous) glands resulting in a localized, irritation of the skin at the base of the hair follicles.
Description
The built-up oil than acts as a host to bacteria; thus, creating inflammation of the skin. Types of skin inflammation vary depending on the depth of the blockage. Blockage close to the surface of the skin is a pustule. A papule, commonly known as a pimple, is also near the surface of the skin by a little deeper than a pustule. Cyst is the deepest type of blockage of oil secretion. Skin inflammation can also occur when the oil breaks through the surface of the skin, commonly known as a “whitehead.” And, if the “whitehead” becomes oxidized, oil changes from white to black, the result is a “blackhead.” The exact cause of the condition is unknown. However, the increase of hormonal levels and heredity are two factors researchers associate...
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References
Simpson, N. B., & Cunliffe, W. J. (2004). Disorders of the sebaceous glands. In T. Burns, S. Breathnach, N. Cox, & C. Griffiths (Eds.), Rook’s textbook of dermatology (7th ed., pp. 43.1–43.75). Malden, MS: Blackwell Science.
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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
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Jansen, J. (2011). Acne. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_35
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_35
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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