Acne

Acne is a skin problem that occurs with pimples on your face. when hair follicles become blocked by bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells. It often causes blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples and usually appears on the face, chest, forehead, shoulders, and upper back. Acne is very common in teenagers and young adults, though it affects people of all ages.

Overview

What is acne?

Acne is a very common skin problem; it is caused by the closure of your skin's pores. Pore blockages produce whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. Acne are pus-filled, sometimes painful bumps on your skin.

What are the types of acne?

There are several types of acne, including:

1. Comedonal Acne

Whiteheads are a type of acne lesion, also called (closed comedones). They occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, the pore remains closed at the surface, creating a small, flesh-coloured or white bump.

Blackheads are a type of acne lesion, also called (open comedones). They occur when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. The pore remains open at the surface and exposed to air (causing oxidation and the characteristic black or grey colour appearance).

2. Inflammatory Acne

Papules - Papules are the small, raised, solid bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles. that are typically less than 1 centimetre in diameter. It can be red, pink, or flesh-coloured. papules do not contain pus.

Pustule - Pustules are the type of inflammatory acne lesions characterised by small red pimples that have pus at their tips. Pustules Similar to papules but filled with pus, pustules are red in colour at the base and have a white or yellow centre, which distinguishes them from papules.

3. Nodular Acne

Nodules are the type of acne characterised by a severe form of acne. Nodular are large, inflamed, and painful breakouts called nodules. These nodules develop deep in the skin, and it is harder to treat than other types of acne, such as blackheads or whiteheads. Nodular acne can lead to scarring if not treated properly.

4. Cystic Acne

Cysts are the type of acne characterised by a severe form of acne. In cysts, acne pores become blocked, leading to infection and inflammation. Cysts are painful, larger, pus-filled aches that can cause scarring. if not treated properly. Cystic acne occurs on the shoulders, chest, back, face, and upper arms.

5. Other Types

Acne Conglobata

Acne conglobata: Conglobata acne is a severe type of acne characterised by deep, swollen nodules and abscesses under the skin. conglobata acne is a rare and aggressive type of acne that can cause significant scarring and disfigurement if not treated promptly and effectively.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans: Acne fulminans, also known as acne maligna, is a rare and severe form of acne that typically affects adolescent males. is the sudden onset of severe acne accompanied by fever and systemic symptoms such as joint pain and weight loss. Acne fulminans is a more aggressive and inflammatory type of acne conglobata.

Pyoderma Faciale

Pyoderma Faciale: Pyoderma Faciale, also known as rosacea fulminans, is a rare and severe form of acne that primarily affects young women. It is not a true pyoderma (bacterial infection), but rather an inflammatory disorder. It is characterised by large, painful, red, and pus-filled nodules and pustules on the face.

Each type of acne may require different treatment approaches, ranging from topical treatments and oral medications to lifestyle changes and medical procedures in severe cases.

Symptoms of acne?

Acne can appear anywhere on your body, but they mostly occur on your face.

face
neck
shoulders
back
chest
Upper arms

Acne can make your skin look dry and uneven.
With acne, you might also experience:
Redness and Swelling Acne Affected areas may appear red and swollen due to inflammation.
Pain and Tenderness acne can be painful or tender to the touch.
Oily Skin Excess oil production (sebum) is a common characteristic of acne-prone skin.

Causes of acne

1. Excessive production of oil in the skin: Overactive sebaceous glands can produce too much oil. This is a very big cause of acne.

2. Clogged Pores: Dead skin cells accumulate and can block hair follicles.

3. Bacteria: Acne also occurs due to bacteria; it is called bacteria. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria can lead to inflammation.

4. Hormonal: Acne also occurs due to hormonal fluctuations. During puberty, menstruation and pregnancy can trigger acne.

5. Diet: Some studies have found that some foods, like dairy products or high-glycaemic-index foods, can also cause acne in some people.

6. Stress: Stress also causes acne. Stress increases the production of your hormones, which increases the risk of acne.

7. Genetics: Acne can also be passed from parents to children.

8. Smoke and Tobacco: If you take tobacco and smoke cigarettes, you have a higher risk of acne.

9. PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause acne.

10. Moisturisers, creams, cleansers, and other beauty products in which the oil content is high.that cause acne.

Diagnosis and Tests

Dermatologists/healthcare can diagnose acne during a skin exam. There is no specific test to diagnose acne. But acne can be diagnosed by examining the skin and identifying typical signs and symptoms of acne. Here are some key aspects that healthcare providers may consider:

1. Medical History: The doctor may ask about your medical history to check for acne. This includes the age of onset of acne, any previous treatments, family history of acne, and any factors that may aggravate the condition (e.g., stress, hormonal changes, certain medications).

2. Biopsy: In rare cases of skin biopsy, a surgeon cuts a small portion of the affected part, collects a sample of tissue, and tests it in a laboratory under a microscope.

3. Hormonal: In some cases, mostly in females with signs of hormonal imbalance, such as irregular menstruation and excessive hair growth, your doctor may do a blood test to check your hormone levels, like androgen.

4. Differential Diagnosis: The physician may rule out other skin conditions that look like acne, such as rosacea, folliculitis, or keratosis pilaris.

5. Types of Skin and Severity: The dermatologist will choose the appropriate treatment strategy based on your skin type (oily, dry, combination) and the degree of the acne (mild, moderate, severe).

6. Visual Examination: The doctor will examine for comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), pustules, papules, nodules, and cysts, all of which are associated with acne.

Prevention of acne

You cannot completely prevent acne, especially during hormonal changes; however, you can minimise your risk of acquiring acne by:

Wash your mouth daily with oil-free cleanser.
Use OTC acne cleanser that helps remove excess oil.
After shaving, use moisturiser or shaving lotion.
Shower after sweating to avoid pore clogging.
Clean your towels and pillowcases regularly.
Eat only healthy food and stay hydrated.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting caps, headbands, and apparel that hides breakout-prone regions.
If you get acne, do not pop it. This can increase the growth of bacteria in your skin and cause more acne.
Keep your hands away from your face.

Home Remedies for Acne

1. Honey and Cinnamon Mask: Honey is a natural antibacterial, and cinnamon has anti-inflammatory qualities. Together, they can help to minimise acne and redness.

2. Aloe Vera: Aloe is very helpful for your acne because aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help heal your acne and reduce redness.

3. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne-causing germs and soothe irritation.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar contains organic acids that can fight microorganisms and regulate skin pH.

5. Green Tea: Green tea is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help reduce acne.

6. Baking Soda: Baking soda can be used as a light exfoliator to help unclog pores.

7. Turmeric: Turmeric can heal your acne because turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help heal acne and brighten the skin.

8. Ice: Ice can help to relieve acne-related oedema, redness, and pain.

9. Healthy diet: Take only a healthy diet to hydrate your body; it helps you heal your acne.

10. Oatmeal Mask: Oatmeal mask can absorbs excess oil, exfoliates dead skin cells, and reduces inflammation.

Foods that cause acne

1. High-glycaemic foods: The high-glycaemic foods index can cause blood sugar increases, which may contribute to acne formation. Examples include pasta, white bread, sugary snacks, and carbonated drinks.

2. Dairy products: Some studies shows some dairy products food increase your acne risk, particularly skim milk, can aggravate acne. This impact is assumed to be related to the hormones and growth factors found in dairy.

3. Fast Food: Fast food also increases your risk of acne. Like fries, Chow Mein burgers, chicken, etc., are frequently heavy in unhealthy fats and can contribute to inflammation in the body, perhaps exacerbating acne.

4. Processed Foods: Processed foods, such as chips, Kurkure, Namkeen, snacks, and foods high in artificial additives, may trigger acne flare-ups in some individuals.

5. Saturated Fats: High saturated fat foods may increase your acne risk, such as red meat. Fried foods and certain oils can cause inflammation in the body, exacerbating acne.

6. Iodine-Rich Foods: Some people may discover that consuming a lot of iodine-rich foods, like seaweed, shellfish, and iodised salt, aggravates their acne.

Treatment of acne

1. Mild Acne Treatment (OTC) Over-the-counter medicine:

Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid helps to cleanse pores and minimise redness and swelling.
Topical Retinoids: Made from vitamin A, they help cleanse pores and prevent fresh breakouts (e.g., adapalene).
Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl Peroxide helps to kill microorganisms, decreases irritation, and aids in removing excess oil and dead skin cells.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Exfoliate the skin to minimise the appearance of acne scars.
Sulphur: Sulphur is helpful for removing dead skin and excess oil.

2. Moderate to Severe Acne (Prescription Treatments):

Topical Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics help to reduce microorganisms and inflammation (e.g., clindamycin, erythromycin).
Oral Antibiotics: (Doxycycline and minocycline) Antibiotics used for a short period to avoid antibiotic resistance. This antibiotic helps to aid moderate to severe acne.
Isotretinoin (Accutane): is a potent oral retinoid for severe, cystic acne. It helps to decrease oil production and prevents clogged pores but has serious adverse effects that must be closely monitored.
Hormonal Acne: Oral contraceptives for hormonal acne in women (such as combined birth control tablets).
Spironolactone: Spironolactone An anti-androgen drug helps to treat hormonal acne in women.

3. Procedural Treatments:

Laser Light Therapy: Laser light therapy helps in reducing the growth of microorganisms, and it helps in reducing the production of oil.
Chemicals: Chemical peels help to remove the top layer of skin to reduce the appearance of acne and scars.
Drainage and Extraction: A dermatologist performs this procedure to remove big cysts.
Corticosteroid Injections: in severe cases, inflammatory cysts and reduce pain and swelling.

4. Lifestyle Changes:

Cleansing: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to eliminate excess oil and grime.
Don't touch your face: If you do not touch your face repeatedly, then you can avoid the growth of bacteria.
Non-comedogenic Products: Use skincare and makeup items that don't clog pores if you want to avoid acne.
Stress: In some acne patients, stress can trigger acne symptoms, so do not take stress. So do everyday meditation and yoga that help reduce your stress.
Take a Healthy Diet: Take a healthy diet and avoid high-glycaemic foods and dairy products.

All these medicines are for educational purposes; Please do not use them without a doctor's advice.

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