Medical Centric

ACNE

Skin Conditions / By

ACNE

Acne is a disease of the skin that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the face.

  • Although it affects people of all ages, it is most common in teenagers.
  • It is most common during puberty when the sebaceous gland that secretes sebum is activated.
  • Acne could be inflammatory or non-inflammatory
  • A non-inflammatory acne does not cause swelling and includes blackheads and whiteheads.
  • An inflammatory acne may be from a skin-deep infection caused by bacteria which may result in painful acne spots that are hard to get rid of. This includes papules, pustules(pimples), nodules and cysts.
  • Acne is one of the most common skin condition among children and adults.
  • It affects areas of the skin with a high number of oils glands, which includes the face, forehead, chest and the upper back.
  • It is not always threatening but it is accompanied by scar.
  • The resulting scar from acne can lead to reduced self-esteem, anxiety.
  • About 633miilion of the world population was affected in 2015.

CAUSES

  • Excess oil production – The sebum is a natural substance that lubricates the skin and protects it. An increase in sebum production is associated with a change in the way the skin cells mature, making them clog the follicular pores.
  • Bacteria: The follicular pores slowly enlarges. As it enlarges, the wall may break, allowing skin bacteria and irritating materials access the deep layers of the skin, leading to an inflammation.
  • Genetics may play a huge role in acne causes.
  • Other causes or contributing factors may include:
  • Pressure from helmets, suspenders, cell phones, backpack can aggravate acne.
  • Some medications such as iodides or oral steroids may cause or worsen acne.
  • Some cosmetics and skin care products can clog the pores.
  • Some occupations characterized by exposure to industrial products can also cause acne.
  • Certain dietary factors including carbohydrates-rich-foods can worsen acne.
  • Stress can also make acne worse.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms accompanied by acne may include:

  • Small, hard, tender bumps (papules)
  • Small red, tender pus-filled bumps (pimples)
  • Open plugged pores with black colour on the surface (blackheads)
  • Closed clogged pores that looks like a small bump protruding from the skin (whiteheads)
  • Large, painful lumps lying under the skin (nodules)
  • Large, painful lumps under the skin filled with pus (cyst)

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

Mild acne can be easily self-diagnosed and can be treated at home using over-the-counter-products. However, if you are not sure of what you are experiencing, or if the acne is intense, the best type of specialist to see is a dermatologist. The dermatologist will carry out a visual inspection and evaluate the symptoms, severity of the breakout, the area of the body being affected, level of inflammation present and how widespread the acne is.

TREATMENT

Treatment for acne may include over-the-counter acne products and medications prescribed by the doctor. The treatment recommended by your doctor depends on the type of acne, the severity of the acne.  Some medications used includes:

  • Retinoid
  • Antibiotics to help kill excess skin bacteria and reduce redness
  • Dapsone for inflammatory acne
  • Isotretinoin for people whose acne doesn’t respond to treatment
  • Steroid injections directly into nodules and cyst
  • Other mild treatment includes
  • Washing the face once or twice daily with mild cleansers
  • Using mild scrubs, exfoliants and face masks