CONDITIONS
Acne
Acne is a condition of the skin that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Acne is a very common skin condition affecting most people at some point.
In India, acne is a common skin disease with 2.3 crore people estimated to be affected by 2026. Large scale study data showed that approximately 12 percent of the respondents between 20 to 29 years of age suffer from acne problems.
What are the symptoms of Acne?
Acne often results in inflammation and pimples, and the symptoms depend on the severity of condition such as: –
- Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open plugged pores with a small, black opening at the top)
- Small red, tender bumps (papules)
- Pimples with pus on top and are red at the bottom of the lesion (pustules)
- Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
- Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin often resulting in scars (cystic lesions)
Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders as these have most oil glands (sebaceous).
What are the causes and risk factors of Acne?
There are 4 main acne causing factors as follows:
- Excess oil (sebum) production
- Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells.
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
Certain things may trigger or worsen acne:
- Hormonal changes in following situations may cause acne:
- Rising hormone levels during puberty
- Hormone changes during midlife, particularly in women
- Hormone changes during pregnancy
- Starting or stopping birth control pills
- Certain medications including drugs containing steroids, (hormones) testosterone, etc.
- Diet may also play a role
- Stress could make acne worse.
How is Acne diagnosed?
Acne can be usually diagnosed by examining the skin.
What are the treatment options for Acne?
Treatment for acne depends on the severity and may take several months of treatment before symptoms improvement.
Minimal acne or only a few blackheads, whiteheads, and spots, may be treated successfully with over-the-counter gels or creams (topical treatments) containing benzoyl peroxide.
In case these products are unsuccessful in treating acne, consult the doctor about prescription-strength medications. A dermatologist (skin specialist) may help –
- Control the acne
- Avoid scarring or other damage to the skin
- Make scars less noticeable
Acne medications work by reducing oil production and swelling or by treating bacterial infection and it might take four to eight weeks for results.
The treatment regimen depends on the age, the type and severity of acne, and the willingness of the patient to commit to.
- Topical medications (medications that are to be applied) are retinoids and retinoid-like drugs useful for moderate acne, antibiotics, dapsone, etc.
- Oral medications such as antibiotics may also be recommended.
- For some people, the following therapies might be helpful, either alone or in combination with medications and can be consulted with the doctor.
- Light therapy
- Chemical peel
- Drainage and extraction
- Steroid injection
For acne in children, it is always better to consult a pediatric dermatologist to gauge proper dosage, etc.
What are the self-help tips for that help in management of acne?
- Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing may irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
- Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Do no use very hot or cold water as it can make acne worse.
- Do not try to “clean out” blackheads or squeeze spots as it may cause them to worse and cause permanent scarring.
- Avoid oil-based make-up, skincare and suncare products that are oil-based (sometimes labelled “comedogenic”). Use water-based non-comedogenic products.
- Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
- Using a fragrance-free water-based emollient for dry skin helps.
- Regular exercising – It may not improve the acne but can boost the mood and improve self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible upon finishing exercising, as sweat can irritate acne.
- Wash hair regularly and try to avoid letting hair fall across the face.
Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment.
References
- Acne issues among Indians in 2019, by age group. April 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1136677/india-acne-problems-by-age-group/
- Mayo Clinic. April 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
- NHS UK. April 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/
- John Hopkins Medicine. April 2024. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/acne
