Final answer:
Hormones, particularly androgens, increase sebum production, leading to blocked follicles and acne. Bacterial growth in the blocked follicles contributes to inflammation and scarring. Treatment varies and can include hygiene, topical agents, antibiotics, or hormonal therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hormones are crucial in the development of acne vulgaris, a common skin condition. Androgens, for instance, spur the sebaceous glands to release more sebum during puberty. Excessive sebum can block hair follicles, leading to whiteheads that turn into blackheads when oxidized. The resulting blockage creates an ideal environment for bacteria like Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus to thrive, causing infection, inflammation, and potentially scarring. Severe acne might require strong medications like isotretinoin, which effectively decreases oil production but also carries significant side effects.
Basic hygiene practices such as washing with mild soap can help manage sebum levels and prevent acne. Conditions such as PCOS, characterized by high androgen levels, can exacerbate acne problems by further increasing sebum production and inflammation. Given these factors, hormonal balance plays a critical role in acne severity and the effectiveness of various treatments, ranging from topical applications to hormonal therapy and stringent medications for more advanced cases.