WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ACNE
Acne is a common skin disorder that causes pimples on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Potential causes include genetics, fluctuating hormone levels, stress, high humidity, and the use of oily or greasy personal care products. Acne is most frequent among teenagers, but it can occur at any age.
Pores are microscopic holes in your skin that can become clogged by oil, germs, dead skin cells, and dirt. If this occurs, you may develop a pimple, also known as a zit or blemish.
Acne may be present if you get pimples frequently, especially when they appear in clusters. Acne, in other words, is a skin ailment that creates pimples.
Acne is extremely frequent. Acne affects 9.4 percent of the world's population, according to study. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most frequent skin disorder in the United States (AAD).
While acne does not pose a substantial threat to your general health, it can be excruciatingly unpleasant, especially if you have severe acne. Acne can cause scars over time.
There's no doubting that acne can cause emotional anguish. Acne and acne scars on your face and other visible body parts can lower your self-esteem and confidence, and they can even lead to feelings of anxiety or despair.
Also, keep in mind that acne is highly treatable. There are a lot of effective treatments available, so you have alternatives for lowering the amount of pimples you get and reducing your chances of scarring.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACNE
- Blackheads: Open skin lumps that fill with dead skin and excess oil. The dark patches appear to be dirt in the bump, but they are caused by an uneven light reflection from the occluded follicle.
- Whiteheads: Bumps that are kept closed by oil and dead skin.
- Papules: Small red or pink pimples that swell and become inflammatory
- Pustules: Pimples that contain pus. They resemble whiteheads with red circles around them. If picked or scraped, they can leave scars.
- Nodules: Deep in your skin, solid pimples. They're big and unpleasant.
- Cysts: These big lumps beneath your skin frequently contain pus and are painful.
- Fungal acne: This type arises when there is an overabundance of yeast in the hair follicles. They may become irritated and inflamed.
CAUSES OF ACNE
Acne is essentially a hormonal condition caused by androgen hormones that become active during adolescence and early adulthood. Acne can be induced by sensitivity to these hormones, as well as surface bacteria on the skin and fatty acids within oil glands.
Acne can be caused by and/or exacerbated by the following factors:
- Stress, which boosts the hormone cortisol, can aggravate acne flare-ups.
- Some drugs.
- Genetics.
- Fluctuating hormone levels around the time of a woman’s cycle.
- Picking at acne sores.
- Air pollution, as well as specific meteorological conditions, notably high humidity, are all factors.
- Using oily or greasy personal care products, such as heavy lotions, creams, or hair pomades and waxes, or working in a setting where you are constantly exposed to grease.
DO SPECIFIC MEALS CONTRIBUTE TO ACNE?
Acne is caused mostly by hormonal changes in the body. Although there is some evidence that skim milk, whey protein, and high-sugar diets may trigger acne breakouts, this remains debatable.
Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those strong in vitamin C and beta carotene, helps to reduce inflammation. Eating fish may also be helpful, according to some data.
ACNE DIAGNOSIS
Your healthcare professional can diagnose acne with a skin exam. They may also inquire as to whether you are under severe stress or if you have a family history of acne, both of which are risk factors. Acne and menstrual cycles are occasionally connected, thus adolescent girls and women may be asked about their menstrual cycles. Sudden, severe acne outbreaks in the elderly can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition that demands medical attention.
ACNE TREATMENT
Your healthcare professional may recommend various over-the-counter drugs to treat your issue. Depending on the severity of your condition, your age, the type of acne you have, and how effective over-the-counter medications have been, you may require harsher prescription therapies.
Certain contraceptives can help a woman's acne clean up on occasion. Three forms of birth control tablets have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acne. All four are made up of estrogen (the principal female sex hormone) and progesterone (a natural form of steroid that helps regulate menstruation).
Several drugs and therapies have been shown to be effective. They seek to treat the root causes of acne. Depending on the severity of your ailment, you may require at least one or more.
MEDICATIONS THAT ARE CONSUMED ORALLY
- Oral contraceptives: Breakouts caused by menstrual periods can be alleviated using oral contraceptives. For acne patients, the FDA has approved three kinds of medicines. Estrostep®, Beyaz®, Ortho Tri-Cyclen®, and Yaz ® are some brand names.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics, particularly tetracycline antibiotics like minocycline and doxycycline, are frequently used to treat moderate to severe acne.
- Isotretinoin: Isotretinoin (Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Sotret®), an oral retinoid, is an exceptionally effective treatment for severe acne. Isotretinoin causes acne by shrinking the size of the oil glands. The most common side effect is dryness, although it can potentially cause birth defects. There is some data that supports an increased risk of ulcerative colitis and depression. Because of these dangers, anybody using the medicine is required to participate in iPledge, a risk management program approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
TOPICALLY APPLIED MEDICATIONS
- Benzoyl peroxide: Over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide (such as Clearasil®, Stridex®, and PanOxyl®) are available as a leave-on gel or wash. It focuses on surface bacteria, which frequently aggravates acne. Lower concentrations and wash formulations are gentler on the skin. A typical side effect is irritation (dryness).
- Antibiotics: Clindamycin and erythromycin are examples of topical antibiotics. They control surface germs that worsen and frequently promote acne edema. Antibiotics are more effective when used with benzoyl peroxide.
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is offered as an over-the-counter acne cleanser or cream. It aids in the removal of the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells, keeping your hair follicles clear.
- Retinoids: Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) such as Retin-A®, Tazorac®, and Differin® (now available without a prescription) assist to break up blackheads and whiteheads and prevent clogged pores, which are the initial signs of acne. The vast majority of patients are suitable for retinoid therapy. These medications are not spot treatments and must be applied to the full acne-affected area of skin to prevent the production of new pimples. Irritation is the most prevalent side effect, which normally improves with moisturization and time on the drug.
- Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in cereals such as barley, wheat, and rye. It kills skin bacteria and lowers edema.
- Dapzone: Dapzone (Aczone®) is a topical gel with antibacterial qualities that can be used to treat inflammatory acne. It's used twice a day on the skin.
OTHER TREATMENTS
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend one of these specialist therapies, sometimes in conjunction with medicine.
- Steroids: Steroids are used in rare cases to treat severe acne or to reduce inflammation in large nodules.
- Chemical peels: In this therapy, special chemicals are utilized to remove the top layer of old skin. When the top layer of skin is removed, the new skin that grows in is usually smoother and less prone to acne scarring.
- Lasers: Lasers are currently mostly used to treat acne scars. A laser heats the scarred collagen beneath the skin, activating the body's wound healing response and resulting in the production of new, healthy collagen. This promotes the development of new skin to replace it. Laser is classified into two types: ablative and non-ablative. Your dermatologist will advise you on the best treatment option based on your skin type and the nature of your acne scars.
HOME REMEDIES
There are numerous home cures for acne that have been recommended, but not all of them have been researched.
- Diet: It's unknown what influence nutrition plays in acne flare-ups. Scientists discovered that persons who consume a diet high in vitamins A and E, as well as zinc, may have a lower chance of severe acne. According to one research, the link between acne and food is "controversial," yet a low glycemic load diet may assist.
- Tea: There is some evidence that polyphenols from tea, notably green tea, may be effective in lowering sebum production and curing acne when administered topically. However, rather than using tea directly, the chemicals in this case were isolated from it.
- Moisturizers: According to the researchers, they can soothe the skin, especially in patients who are taking acne medications like isotretinoin. Moisturizers containing at least 10% aloe vera or witch hazel can have a calming and perhaps anti-inflammatory impact.
- Tea-tree oil: A study of 60 individuals published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology found that 5% tea-tree oil may help treat mild to moderate acne. If you want to buy tea-tree oil, there is a large range available online, with thousands of consumer reviews.
ADVICE ON PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ACNE
1. Wash your face with warm water and a mild acne-specific soap no more than twice a day.
2. In hot and humid areas, try to stay cool and dry to avoid sweating.
3. Scrubbing the skin or popping pimples may push the infection deeper into the skin, causing additional blockage, swelling, and redness.
4. Anxiety and stress should be avoided since they might stimulate the production of cortisol and adrenaline, both of which aggravate acne.
5. Avoid popping pimples as this increases the likelihood of scarring.
6. Avoid overexposure to the sun, which can cause the skin to create more sebum. Several acne medicines enhance your chances of getting sunburned.
7. A professional can treat a pimple that needs to be removed as soon as possible for cosmetic reasons.
8. Hair absorbs sebum and skin residue, so keep it clean. Greasy hair products, such as those containing cocoa butter, should be avoided.
9. Keep your hands away from your face.
10. When shaving, use an electric shaver or sharp safety razors. Soften the skin and beard with warm soapy water before applying shaving cream.
11. When conversing on the phone, keep the phone away from your face because it is likely to contain sebum and skin residue.
12. Makeup for sensitive skin should be avoided, as should oil-based products. Before going to bed, take off your makeup.
13. Hands should be washed frequently, especially before using lotions, creams, or makeup.
14. If you have acne on your back, shoulders, or chest, consider wearing loose clothing to allow the skin to air. Avoid wearing tight items such as headbands, caps, and scarves, or wash them on a regular basis if you must.
15. Cleaning eyewear on a regular basis is important since they gather sebum and skin debris.
ARE THERE ANY UNIQUE ISSUES FOR ACNE-PRONE WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE?
Many acne medicines, both topical and oral, are not safe to use while pregnant. If you're a woman of childbearing age, it's critical to discuss acne treatments with your doctor and notify them if you become pregnant. Because isotretinoin is known to cause serious birth abnormalities, it is necessary to utilize two methods of birth control while taking it.
Hormone therapy can benefit some women with acne, particularly those who experience flare-ups during menstruation or who have signs and symptoms (irregular periods) of excess androgen (male hormone). Hormone therapy comprises of low-dose estrogen and progesterone (birth control pills) or spironolactone, a medicine that blocks the effect of male hormones at the hair follicle and oil gland levels.
TAKEAWAY
Acne can be difficult to cure, but there are many effective treatments available to help reduce breakouts and heal your skin. If you continue to have severe or chronic breakouts, a dermatologist can assist you in developing a treatment plan that is effective for your skin and prevents scarring.