A Dermatological Disaster
The basis for an acne outbreak lies in the blockage of hair follicles in the skin. The follicles and associated sebaceous glands normally produce a natural protein called keratin. They also shed dead skin cells from the follicle lining, and a natural oil called sebum. In acne, keratin and sebum are produced to excess. The follicles become blocked by keratin, sebum and dead skin cells. The blockages lead to the symptoms of acne.
Once the follicles (or pores) get blocked, a specific bacterium called Propionibacterium which is normally harmless infects the blocked ducts. The result is inflammation and damage to the skin and underlying tissue. The bacterium (usually abbreviated to P. acnes) is anaerobic. This means that it does not use oxygen to survive. In fact, it does best in the absence of oxygen so it's perfectly adapted to cause maximum trouble in blocked pores.
