Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It most commonly affects teenagers but can occur at any age. Acne can cause whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and in severe cases, cysts and nodules.

While acne is not a serious health threat, it can cause significant emotional distress and may lead to scarring. The good news is that acne is treatable, and many effective treatments are available. Early treatment can help prevent scarring and improve self-esteem.

Acne can appear as:

Types of Lesions:

• Whiteheads: Closed plugged pores
• Blackheads: Open plugged pores (dark due to oxidation)
• Papules: Small red, tender bumps
• Pustules: Papules with pus at the tips
• Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps under skin
• Cystic lesions: Painful, pus-filled lumps under skin

Common Locations:

• Face (most common)
• Forehead
• Chest
• Back
• Shoulders

Severity:

• Mild: Few whiteheads, blackheads, or small pimples
• Moderate: More pimples, some inflammation
• Severe: Many large, painful nodules or cysts

Seek emergency care if:

• Signs of severe infection (increasing redness, pus, fever)
• Severe allergic reaction to treatment
• Severe symptoms

Managing acne involves:

1. Gentle Skin Care:

   • Wash face twice daily with mild cleanser
   • Use warm (not hot) water
   • Be gentle, don't scrub
   • Pat dry, don't rub
   • Avoid harsh products

2. Don't Pick or Squeeze:

   • Can cause scarring
   • Can spread infection
   • Can make acne worse
   • Can cause permanent damage

3. Avoid Irritants:

   • Harsh soaps and cleansers
   • Abrasive scrubs
   • Oil-based cosmetics
   • Hair products that touch face
   • Tight clothing (for body acne)

4. Use Non-Comedogenic Products:

   • Won't clog pores
   • Look for "non-comedogenic" label
   • Oil-free cosmetics
   • Water-based products

5. Over-the-Counter Treatments:

   • Benzoyl peroxide: Kills bacteria, reduces inflammation
   • Salicylic acid: Unclogs pores
   • Retinoids: Help unclog pores
   • Start with lower concentrations
   • May take 4-8 weeks to see results

6. Shampoo Regularly:

   • Oily hair can contribute to acne
   • Keep hair off face
   • Clean hair regularly

7. Avoid Triggers (if known):

   • Certain foods (for some people)
   • Stress
   • Hormonal changes
   • Certain medications

8. Protect from Sun:

   • Some acne treatments increase sun sensitivity
   • Use non-comedogenic sunscreen
   • Avoid excessive sun exposure

• Moderate to severe acne
• Acne not improving with OTC treatments
• Acne causing emotional distress
• Signs of scarring
• Cystic acne
• Need for prescription treatments
• Questions about treatment

• Severe acne
• Acne not responding to treatment
• Risk of scarring
• Need for specialized treatments
• Cystic acne

• Mild acne
• Responding to OTC treatments
• No scarring
• No emotional distress
• Following treatment plan

Diagnosing acne usually involves:

1. Physical Examination:

   • Visual inspection
   • Assessment of severity
   • Check for scarring
   • Usually diagnosed by appearance

2. Medical History:

   • When it started
   • What treatments tried
   • Family history
   • Medications
   • Other factors

3. Additional Tests (rarely needed):

   • Hormone tests (if hormonal cause suspected)
   • Other tests as indicated

Treatment depends on severity:

Mild Acne:

• Over-the-counter treatments
• Gentle skin care
• Non-comedogenic products
• Usually sufficient

Moderate Acne:

• Prescription topical medications
• May combine treatments
• Retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide
• May take several weeks to months

Severe Acne:

• Oral medications (antibiotics, isotretinoin)
• Topical treatments
• May need combination therapy
• Close monitoring needed

Treatment Options:

• Topical retinoids: Unclog pores, reduce inflammation
• Topical antibiotics: Kill bacteria
• Benzoyl peroxide: Kills bacteria, reduces inflammation
• Oral antibiotics: For moderate to severe acne
• Oral contraceptives: For women (hormonal acne)
• Isotretinoin: For severe, resistant acne (requires monitoring)
• Other treatments: As appropriate

Prevent acne by:

• Gentle Skin Care: Don't over-wash or scrub
• Avoid Irritants: Harsh products, oil-based cosmetics
• Don't Pick: Can cause scarring
• Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Won't clog pores
• Manage Stress: Stress can worsen acne
• Healthy Lifestyle: Good nutrition, adequate sleep
• Early Treatment: Prevents scarring

In acne:

1. Oil Production: Sebaceous glands produce too much oil
2. Dead Skin Cells: Accumulate in pores
3. Clogged Pores: Oil and dead cells block pores
4. Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes grows
5. Inflammation: Body's immune response
6. Acne Lesions: Form

Causes:

• Hormones: Androgens increase oil production (especially in teens)
• Genetics: Runs in families
• Bacteria: P. acnes bacteria
• Clogged pores: Oil and dead skin cells
• Other factors: Stress, medications, cosmetics

• Very common (affects 80-90%)
• Usually hormonal
• May be more severe
• Can affect self-esteem
• Usually improves with age

• Can persist into adulthood
• May develop for first time as adult
• Women more commonly affected
• May be hormonal
• May need different approach

• Hormonal fluctuations can trigger
• May worsen around periods
• Pregnancy can affect
• Menopause can affect
• May benefit from hormonal treatments

For most people, no. However, some people may find that certain foods trigger their acne. If you notice a pattern, avoiding those foods may help.

Mild acne often improves on its own, especially after teenage years. However, treatment can help clear acne faster and prevent scarring. Severe acne usually needs treatment.

It's best not to. Popping can cause scarring, spread infection, and make acne worse. If you must, do it properly and only on certain types, but it's better to let them heal naturally or get professional extraction.

Most treatments take 4-8 weeks to show improvement. Some may take longer. Be patient and consistent with treatment. Don't stop treatment too early.

Not everyone gets scars. Early treatment can help prevent scarring. Some people are more prone to scarring. If scarring occurs, there are treatments available.