What is Acne?
Acne, or acne vulgaris, is a common skin condition when hair follicles under the skin get clogged. Due to sebum- oil, dead skin cells and dirt plug the pores and lead to outbreaks of lesions, resulting in pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Typically, acne appears on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, and it is a clogged hair follicle. Topical Acne medication is used in the treatment of pimples and blackheads.
What are the Causes of Acne?
Some of the leading causes of acne include:
- Clogged pores: When hair follicles(little pores) get clogged with oil (sebum), dirt and dead skin cells, it causes acne.
- Bacteria: Natural bacteria on the skin can multiply in clogged follicles, leading to inflammation, pus and acne.
- Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, can occur in sexual hormones like androgens. It Increases both in boys and girls, causing glands to produce more oil. Thus increasing sebum production and contributing to Acne.
- Other Factors: Genetics, use of certain medications, and stress also play a crucial role in causing acne problems.
What are the Symptoms of Acne?
Symptoms or kinds of acne that can appear on the affected skin.
- Whiteheads appear at plugged hair follicles beneath the skin as white bumps.
- Blackheads are plugged hair follicles that reach the surface with opening pores and get easily filled with dead skin, oil and dirt.
- Pimples appear as raised red spots or bumps with a white centre, causing pain.
- Cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled lesions inside hair follicles.
Diagnosis for Acne:
A GP diagnoses acne by examining the types of spots you have. The severity of the Acne is categorized as:
- Mild: Mostly whiteheads and blackheads with a few papules and pustules.
- Moderate: More widespread whiteheads and blackheads with many papules and pustules.
- Severe: Large, painful papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts, often with scarring.
For mild acne, consult a pharmacist. For moderate to severe cases, see a GP.
Treatments For Acne:
If over-the-counter treatments fail after weeks, consult a doctor for prescription options. A dermatologist can help control acne, prevent scarring, and reduce scars.
Prescription Acne medications target oil, swelling, or bacteria but may take months or years for full results. Treatment depends on age, acne severity, and commitment level. It often involves daily topical and oral medications. Pregnant women have limited options due to side effects.
Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor and schedule follow-ups every three to six months.
Topical Acne Creams and Gels for Acne:
- Retinoids & Retinoid-like Drugs: (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene) are Retinoids that can help you prevent clogged follicles. Apply these medicines in the evening, starting three times a week. Retinoids, like side effects, can cause dryness and sun sensitivity, so seek management tips for such effects.
- Antibiotics: (Clindamycin + Benzoyl Peroxide, Erythromycin + Benzoyl Peroxide) Reduce bacteria, redness, and inflammation. Used with retinoids to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Azelaic Acid & Salicylic Acid: Azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea) has antibacterial properties and helps with acne-related discolouration. Salicylic acid may prevent clogged pores, but little evidence supports this.
- Dapsone (Aczone): Used for inflammatory acne, especially in women. It can cause redness and dryness.
Other ingredients like zinc, sulfur, and nicotinamide have limited proven effectiveness.
Self-Care Techniques for Acne:
Washing: Clean your affected skin areas. But no more than twice daily with mild soap or gentle cleaner and lukewarm water. Avoid hot or cold water.
Avoid picking or squeezing: You should avoid picking or squeezing spots to prevent worsening and scarring.
Skincare: Use water-based, non-comedogenic and oil-based products for your skin. Remove your makeup before going to bed, and keep your skin clean.
Moisturizing: Use a fragrance-free, water-based emollient for your dry skin and use the product as per your skin type.
The Final Lines:
Acne can be tough, but the availability of effective treatments can help reduce breakouts and treat your skin condition. If breakouts continue and cause pain and discomfort, consider consulting a dermatologist. Create a treatment plan as per your necessity that works best for your skin and reduces scarring.
