Sanjeev Nanda - Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide: What You Need to Know about Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

MAYO CLINIC

Medical Editor Sanjeev Nanda, M.D.

Publisher Daniel J. Harke

Editor in Chief Nina E. Wiener

Managing Editor Anna L. Cavallo

Art Director Stewart J. Koski

Production Design Darren L. Wendt

Illustration and Photography Mayo Clinic Media Support Services, Mayo Clinic Medical Illustration and Animation

Editorial Research Librarians Anthony J. Cook, Edward (Eddy) S. Morrow Jr., Erika A. Riggin, Katherine (Katie) J. Warner, Morgan T. Wentworth

Copy Editors Miranda M. Attlesey, Alison K. Baker, Nancy J. Jacoby, Julie M. Maas

Indexer Steve Rath

Thanks to Mohit Chauhan, M.B.B.S., for contributing to the review of several mental health topics.

Image Credits The individuals pictured are models, and the photos are used for illustrative purposes only. Theres no correlation between the individuals portrayed and the condition or subject discussed. All photographs and illustrations are copyright of MFMER except for the following: cover GettyImages-1357847994.eps/pg. 291 shutterstock_1158200917.jpg/pg. 313 shutterstock_1017872725.jpg.

Published by Mayo Clinic Press

2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)

MAYO, MAYO CLINIC and the Mayo triple-shield logo are marks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. This book is intended only as an informative guide for those wishing to learn more about health issues. It is not intended to replace, countermand or conflict with advice given to you by your own physician. The ultimate decision concerning your care should be made between you and your doctor. Information in this book is offered with no guarantees. The author and publisher disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

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ISBN 978-1-945564-13-0 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-945564-72-7 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-945564-34-5 (ebook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022942475

You face decisions about caring for your health every day. Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide is designed to be a handy medical reference to help answer your questions and guide those decisions.

This book is organized alphabetically, providing clear information on more than 150 common health conditions. Each topic answers key questions, such as: What is it? Whats the cause? What are the symptoms? How is it diagnosed? What treatments are available? And what can you do in your daily life to prevent or manage it? Youll also find detailed medical illustrations to help you understand whats really going on.

This second edition of Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide covers an expanded range of topics, with added information on specific mental health conditions, cancer, COVID-19 and more. And each topic has been vetted and updated to help provide the most current expertise.

Every page includes facts and guidance based on what Mayo Clinic health care providers share with their patients every day. This information isnt a substitute for seeing a doctor. Its meant to help you understand various diseases and conditions so that you can communicate effectively with your health care team. Working together, you can address your individual needs and effectively manage your health.

Table of Contents

What is it? Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It is most common on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. The pimples and bumps heal slowly. Often, when one pimple begins to resolve, others crop up.

Acne can cause emotional distress and can leave scars on the skin. The good news is effective treatments are available. The earlier treatment is started, the lower the risk of lasting damage.

Whats the cause? Three factors contribute to the formation of acne:

• Overproduction of oil (sebum)
• Irregular shedding of dead skin cells
• Buildup of bacteria

An oily substance known as sebum lubricates your hair and skin. It travels up along the hair shafts and then out through the openings of the hair follicles onto the surface of your skin. When your body produces an excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells, the two can build up in the hair follicles and form a soft plug.

This plug may cause the follicle wall to bulge and produce a whitehead. Or the plug may open to the surface and darken, causing a blackhead. Pimples are raised red spots, often with white centers. They develop when blocked follicles become inflamed or infected. Blockages and inflammation that develop deep under the skin may produce hard lumps (nodules) or large, fluid-filled cysts that are painful to the touch.

Risk factors

Factors that can trigger or aggravate acne include:

• Hormones. During puberty, hormones increase and cause the oil (sebaceous) glands to enlarge and make more oil. Pregnancy and use of oral contraceptives also can affect sebum production.
• Certain medications. Drugs containing corticosteroids, certain hormones or lithium are known to cause acne.