Blackhead: Conditions and Treatment - Essay Example

Kamran Harris Biology 31 October 2007 Blackhead Introduction: homeostasis can be defined as the maintenance of the internal environment of the body; the check and balance the body keeps in order to maintain relatively constant conditions inside the body so that the organs and tissues, down to the cellular level, can function at their optimum rates. However, at times, certain conditions can arise that upset this environment, and hence, the body must work towards a re-establishment of the changed parameters to their original levels through a process known as negative feedback mechanism, often with the help of external sources. Two of such conditions are mentioned below; tetany and diabetes. Tetany: Calcium ion, Ca+2, is an essential ion in the proper functioning of all cells in the body. Hence, its maintenance in the blood within a narrow range is very important, as both its excess and deficiency can have very unpleasant effects. Normally, it is kept at a concentration of around 10mg/100ml. This is achieved by the antagonistic effect of two hormones; calcitonin and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Calcitonin is released by the thyroid gland in cases of excess calcium ion concentration in the blood, and so it reduces the concentration by causing increased calcium deposition in the bones, and reducing uptake of the ion by the intestines and the kidneys. On the other hand, parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands in cases of a lowering of blood calcium levels from the normal, and so it induces an increased absorption of the ion by the intestines and the kidneys, and an increased decomposition of mineral calcium into the calcium ion by osteoclasts in the bones, thereby increasing the concentration in the blood and returning it to normal. However, in the condition known as tetany, there is a dramatic decrease in the blood calcium levels, resulting in uncontrolled convulsive contractions of the skeletal muscles. If worsened, tetany can be fatal. Hence, the homeostatic control of calcium levels in the blood is compromised, resulting in dire effects on the body. Diabetes: the blood glucose levels are maintained around a narrow set point of 90mg/100ml. Glucose levels are monitored and controlled with the antagonistic functioning of two hormones, both released by the pancreas; insulin and glucagon. Insulin lowers the blood glucose level by inducing an increased uptake of glucose by the cells, and its conversion to glycogen to be stored in the liver and muscles, a decrease in the conversion of amino acids and fatty acids to glucose, and inhibiting glycogen breakdown in the liver. Glucagon, on the other hand, reduces blood glucose levels by decreasing an uptake of glucose by the cells, so that more glucose is present in the blood, an increase in the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver, and an increased conversion of amino acids and fatty acids into glucose. However, in the condition called diabetes, be it Type1 or Type2, there is a drastic increase in the blood glucose levels, either due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas (Type1), or a decrease in the response of the target cells to insulin (Type2). Glucose concentration if increased so much that it is secreted by the kidneys in urine, and as excess urine is formed, this leads to dehydration and glucose accumulation in the blood. However, this glucose can not be utilized by the cells for metabolism due to insulin deficiency or non-responsiveness, and hence, fat is used as fuel. When fat is metabolized, it forms acidic metabolites as by products. In worsened conditions, these metabolites accumulate in the blood, lowering its pH, and proving fatal. Blackhead: Definition: blackhead is a form of acne. This condition is medically called acne vulgaris. It is a skin condition that affects millions of people every year. Essentially, it is caused by a hyper activity of the sebaceous glands and the hair follicles. Sebaceous glands are oil secreting glands embedded in the dermis of the skin. They release an oily substance called sebum, that forms a thin covering on the surface of the skin and performs many functions, such as preventing excessive water loss, and hampering the entry of bacteria. Due to the constant growth and wear and tear of the hair, the hair follicle is constantly producing new cells which die and form the hair. The lining of the follicle is producing dead cells on a constant basis, and these cells are carried by the sebum through the pore of the follicle onto the skin surface. Causes/Etiology: in certain periods of the age, such as the adolescence, or due to other factors such as skin infections or other medical problems, there is a hyper activity of the follicle lining and the sebaceous glands, probably due to testosterone levels. It can also be due to poor cleansing of the skin. This means that the lining produces more dead cells and the sebaceous glands produce more sebum. This over production results in the accumulation of this material at the base of the follicle as it cannot be speedily removes, clogging the follicle and forming a plug, medically known as comedo. When this plug pops out on the surface, it is called a blackhead (open comedo). Symptoms: there can be two types of acne; non-inflammatory, and inflammatory. The common kind if non-inflammatory, in which there are a few blackheads and whiteheads on the skin that can be treated with mild drugs. In the other kind, red pustules and pimples are formed, and it has to be treated with prescription drugs, or even surgery. Prognosis: acne, including blackheads, usually are the most prominent during adolescence, and later tend to decrease and finish. However, it may come in bursts again now and then, even in middle age. It responds to medical treatment and drugs, but it takes a few weeks before any results can be seen. It affects women in the age of 25 to 30, and boys generally in the adolescence. It leaves no traces unless it is the inflammatory kind, and severe, in which case it will leave scars and pits. This can have an adverse affect on teenager psyche. Treatment: blackheads are not dirt, so they will not be removed by washing. However, the face and hands should be washed regularly to reduce more occurrence of blackheads, but they should not be scrubbed, as this causes friction, further increasing the condition. Mild drugs of sulfur and benzoyl peroxide can be affected for mild cases. The blackheads should not be picked, and acne should be treated early in its occurrence to avoid permanent scarring. For severe cases, antibiotics, oral hormonal drugs, retinoids or other prescription drugs have to be administered under the doctor's supervision. A dermatologist should be consulted. Works Cited "Acne Vulgaris". Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia. 30 Oct. 2007. 31 Oct. 2007. Campbell, Neil A. Biology. California: The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc., 1996. Health Encyclopedia- Diseases and Conditions. 13 Feb. 2001. The Health Central Network, Inc. 31 Oct. 2007 . Read More