09 Jan, 2023
Know everything about Acne, Types of Acne, and Treatment Methods
Acne is not as insignificant as it seems! It bags you trolls and tosses off your confidence and self-esteem. It is a botheration for both the young and the old generations today!
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It typically appears on the face, neck, back, and chest. Acne often occurs during adolescence, and about 20% of the cases occur in adults. However, acne usually occurs during puberty between the ages of 10 - 14 and above and worsens in people with oily skin.
What triggers Acne on the skin?
Certain reasons cause Acne and become a reason of worry. A few are:
Human Skin Pores:
In the human skin, the pores are connected to oil glands underneath, and follicles, or the small sacs that produce and secrete liquid, connect these glands to the pores, causing Acne to appear.
Hormones:
It starts with an increase in hormone production. Acne pops up person produces high levels of androgens, the male sex hormones that include testosterone. Testosterone signals the body to make more sebum, the oil produced in the skin's oil glands.
Premenstrual Syndrome:
While women approach their period, their levels of estrogen and progesterone drop, causing the testosterone hormone to increase, causing the sebaceous glands to open, which produces sebum that fuels acne.
Bacteria:
Excess sebum clogs the openings to hair follicles, especially on the face, neck, chest, and back. Bacteria tend to grow in these clogged follicles. At times, clogging may force the follicle wall to break, and the sebum falls into nearby tissues that form a pustule or a Papule called inflammatory acne.
Family History:
Researchers state that you can get Acne if you have it in your genes (parents, grandparents, etc.).
Stress:
Stress could be one of the reasons for skin problems.
Environmental irritants:
Pollution, dry skin, high humidity can be the reasons.
What are the types of acne?
There are several types of acne, including:
Blackheads: Blackheads are small, black bumps that appear on the skin when the hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Whiteheads:Whiteheads are similar to blackheads, but they are covered by a layer of skin, giving them a white or skin-colored appearance.
Papules:Papules are small, red bumps that are tender to the touch and can be painful.
Pustules: Pustules are similar to papules, but they contain pus and are more visible.
Nodules: Nodules are large, hard bumps that develop deep within the skin and are often painful.
Cysts: Cysts are large, pus-filled lesions that are painful and can lead to scarring if they burst.
Treatment for acne may include over the counter or prescription topical medications, oral medications, or a combination of these approaches. It is important to speak with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
How to treat Acne?
There are several treatment options available for acne, including:
- Topical medications: These are applied directly to the skin and include creams, gels, lotions, and pads. Topical medications can include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.
- Oral medications: These are taken in pill form and include antibiotics, hormonal balancing pills and isotretinoin.
- Light and laser therapy: This type of treatment uses intense pulsed light or lasers to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a solution to remove the top layer of the skin, which can help to improve the appearance of acne scars and uneven skin tone.
- Extractions: During an extraction, a dermatologist removes the contents of a blackhead or whitehead.
- Acne Patches:Acne patches with efficient active composition helps fighting acne overnight and preventing scars and blackspots. Effective for mild acne and hormonal period acne.
It is important to speak with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Some treatments may work better for certain types of acne, and certain treatments may not be suitable for all skin types.
Written by -
Shruti Arjun Anand
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