Acne is a very common skin condition that causes pimples. You’ll usually get pimples on your face. Clogged pores cause acne. Teenagers and young adults most often get acne, but it can also occur during adulthood for many people. Treatment is available to clear acne from your skin and prevent scarring.
Types of Acne:
There are several types of acne, such as:
Cystic acne: Cystic acne causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules. These can cause scars.
Fungal acne: Fungal acne occurs when yeast builds up in your hair follicles. These can be itchy and inflamed.
Hormonal acne: Hormonal acne affects adults who have an overproduction of sebum that clogs their pores.
Nodular acne: Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of your skin, and tender, nodular lumps under your skin.
All of these forms of acne can affect your self-esteem, and both cystic and nodular acne can lead to permanent skin damage in the form of scarring. It’s best to seek help from a healthcare provider early so they can determine the best treatment option(s) for you.
Symptoms and Causes of Acne:
These are the symptoms and causes of Acne:
Pimples: Pus-filled bumps (papules).
Papules: Small, discolored bumps, often red to purple or darker than your natural skin tone.
Blackheads: Plugged pores with a black top.
Whiteheads: Plugged pores with a white top.
Nodules: Large lumps under your skin that are painful.
Cysts: Painful fluid-filled (pus) lumps under your skin.
Acne can appear in different levels of severity. In mild cases, it may only cause a few occasional pimples. Moderate acne often leads to inflamed bumps known as papules, while severe acne can result in deeper, more painful lesions such as nodules and cysts.
Treatments for Acne:
Over-the-counter products, such as benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria and may decrease the production of sebum.
Antibiotics, which are usually used with other topical medications.
Retinoids, which come from vitamin A and can help treat lesions and reduce inflammation. They can also help prevent the formation of acne and help with scarring.
Salicylic acid, which helps break down blackheads and whiteheads and also helps reduce the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles.
Sulfur, which helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.
How to prevention Acne?
The following will help prevent spots from becoming inflamed or causing scars:
- Use sun protection, such as a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen
- Remove your makeup before you go to bed
- Shampoo your hair regularly, especially if it is oily and rests on your skin
- Have a well-balanced, healthy diet and exercise regularly
Things to avoid include:
- Oil-based makeup or greasy sunscreen
- Washing your face too often, or using harsh soaps
- Tight clothing over areas where you have acne
- Squeezing or picking spots or pimples
