About Acne (Pimples/ Breakouts)
- Acne or pimples is one of the most common skin disease treated by dermatologists.
- Acne treatment includes oral medicines and topical acne creams to cure the existing skin lesions and prevent permanent scarring.
- Other therapies include lasers for acne chemical peels.
- Most important part of acne treatment is routine care of the skin according to a person’s skin type and regular counselling of the patient about the long treatment of this problem to avoid acne scarring.
- Acne can have a real impact on a person's self-confidence.
What is Acne?
Cause of acne
Acne occurs when oil glands attached to hair follicles are stimulated at the time of puberty by elevated male hormones.
Oil and dead skin cells become trapped and clog the hair follicle, that enlarges, producing a bump. The follicle wall may rupture resulting in a pimple.
Acne include
Common facts about Acne/Pimples
Acne care and precautions
The earlier, the better. Dermatologist can guide acne patient with proper skincare routine, which can prevent the aggravation of acne and formation of acne Scars.
Acne treatment:
Medicines
Chemical Peels
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It starts at the time of puberty and stays till the age of 26 to 27 years. It can occur on face, chest, back, and upper-arms.
Cause of acne
Acne occurs when oil glands attached to hair follicles are stimulated at the time of puberty by elevated male hormones.
Oil and dead skin cells become trapped and clog the hair follicle, that enlarges, producing a bump. The follicle wall may rupture resulting in a pimple.
Acne include
- Whiteheads/ Closed comedones- It is a follicle that is filled with sebum, but lacks small opening to the skin surface. Since the air cannot reach the follicle, sebum is not oxidised, and it remains white.
- Blackhead/Open comedones- Black bump on the skin due to clogging of the follicle wide open on the skin surface. Contains dead skin cells and sebum, which darkens as it oxidizes on contact with air.
- Pustular skin lesions- pimples
- Cysts (deep skin lesions)
Common facts about Acne/Pimples
- Most common areas of involvement- face, neck, back, chest & shoulders.
- Acne most frequently occurs in teen and preteens.
- Acne can also occur in adult males and females which is called adult acne. It can be due to stress, hormonal, imbalance, and environmental pollution.
- In females, in addition to puberty, hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and perimenopause can develop or flare acne.
Acne care and precautions
- Avoid facial scrubs/exfoliating scrubs and follow a proper skin care regimen Suggested by Dermatologist.
- Cleanse with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleanser.
- Avoid over washing your face.
- Don't pick or scratch pimples, It results in acne marks.
- Don’t let your hair fall on your face.
- Take care of greasy/oily hair and avoid overnight application of oil, this can aggravate Face acne.
- Keep your hair away from face.
- Be careful while shaving.
- Avoid expensive cosmetic regimens. It can clog the pores and lead to breakouts.
- Wash your face after workout, sweat with skin oils can trap dirt and bacteria in pores.
When to visit the Dermatologist for acne treatment?
The earlier, the better. Dermatologist can guide acne patient with proper skincare routine, which can prevent the aggravation of acne and formation of acne Scars.
Acne treatment:
Medicines
- Oral- Antiboitics, Isotretinoin, Hormonal medicines
- Topical- Creams containing antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, Tretinoin, Adapelene.
- Face washes containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Chemical Peels
- Salicylic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Jessner's solution
