Acne – Causes, Diagnosis, Types, and Treatments

If you are tired of dealing with those continuous outbreaks of acne on your facial skin then you are not alone. It is one of the most common health and skin conditions. Research estimates that 9.4 percent of people worldwide suffer from acne. Despite being so common, it can be scary as it can directly impact your self-esteem and might take years to get away. But with the right knowledge about the treatment of the disease, it can be controlled without leaving any permanent marks on your skin.

 

Let’s begin to look into various aspects of acne management. But first, understand what exactly is acne.

What is Acne?

NIAMS defines acne as a common skin condition when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. The skin moisturising Sebum oil and the dry cells plug the pores to cause outbreaks of lesions, commonly called pimples or zits. It is more common during adolescence and in most people, it goes away by the time they reach their thirties. During teenage years it is more common in males and if it occurs during adulthood, it is more common in females. It appears mostly on facial skin but in some cases can appear on the chest as well.

What are the Types of Acne?

 Acne can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. It can occur in different forms in these two categories:

 

  • Blackheads: They are dark-colored open bumps on the skin that is filled with excess oil and dead skin. 
  • Whiteheads: These are bumps that remain clogged due to oil and dead skin however they are not dark in color. 
  • Papules: These are red or pink-colored inflamed bumps.
  • Pustules: These are pus-filled bumps surrounded by red rings. They look like whiteheads and leave a scar if picked or scratched.
  • Nodules: They are hard and deep pimples which are large and painful.
  • Cysts: These are again pus-filled pimples that can leave scars.
  • Fungal Acne: This happens because of an excess of yeast development in the hair follicles and can become itchy and inflamed.

 

It is possible to have different kinds of acne at one level.

Reasons for Acne
  • Acne is caused by the coagulation of tiny holes in the skin, also known as hair follicles or sebaceous glands. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum to keep the skin and hair lubricated. When these glands begin to produce too much sebum then it causes acne. Some of the factors that trigger acne are: 

     

    • Bacterial infection 
    • Certain medications 
    • Some cosmetic products 
    • Smoking 
    • Periods, pregnancy, or polycystic ovarian syndrome in women
Acne: Myths and Facts

Acne being one of the most common conditions is also prone to myths. Some widespread myths and facts about acne are: 

 

Myth: Acne is caused due to poor diet.

Fact: though a healthy and balanced diet would only help there is no scientific evidence showing any correlation between diet and acne. 

 

Myth: Acne happens due to a lack of skin hygiene.

Fact: Acne is caused due to reactions that happen underneath the skin rather than on its surface. Washing your face too many times, on the contrary, can aggravate the problem.

 

Myth: Acne is contagious. 

Fact: Acne is not passed from one person to another.

 

Myth: Only teenagers get acne.

Fact: Though it is more common in that age group, it can also appear for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30.

 

Myth: Acne will go away even without any treatment.

Fact: Acne doesn’t go away on its own and can progress or worsen if left untreated.

How is Acne Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of acne is usually done at the surficial level. The dermatologist will look at your breakouts and try to determine the type of acne you are having based on which the course of treatment would depend. There are other conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa also known as acne inversa and perioral dermatitis, that look like acne but aren’t. Hence it is always better to take an expert and get it diagnosed by a dermatologist or an acne expert.

What are the Treatment Options for Acne?

Treatment of acne may depend on its type. For example,

 

  • If your acne is a whitehead or a blackhead or a combination of both then your treatment plan will include a retinoid with or without benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid. 
  • If you are having mild to moderate pimples then you may be advised by the doctor to use benzoyl peroxide, a retinoid, azelaic acid, or a combination of Benzoyl peroxide and a retinoid. 
  • If you are having acne nodules and cysts that tend to leave scars then you might need more effective treatment. You may need to apply the prescribed medicine to your skin and take an antibiotic. For women, hormonal therapy may help. 

 

Some other effective treatments which your dermatologist may suggest are laser or light therapy to clear the acne, or a corticosteroid injection to ease the pain and the size of the breakout.

What Should be Your Post Treatment Care Regime?

During the acne treatment, your skin might become a bit sensitive due to the application of ointments or any other exposure. A few basic things to do to take care of your skin, post-acne treatment is: 

  • Keep your skin clean and moisturized as advised by the dermatologist.
  • Refrain from getting out in Sun bare skin. Make use of sunscreen as advised by the dermatologist.
  • Do not make use of makeup for at least 2-3 days of the acne treatment and as advised by the dermatologist.
  • Follow skincare activities like application of retinol as advised by the skin or acne specialist.

 

Acne may seem tough to deal with and rigid enough to go away. But patience, constant care, and proper management can help you get rid of it the right way. For acne and other skin-related problems, always consult the dermatologist first. We at Velan have a team of skin experts that can help you solve your skin issues with ease. Visit our website https://velanhospitals.com/ to know more about our patient-centric healthcare services.

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