What is acne?
Acne
is skin condition that occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin,
called pores, becomes clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a
follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help
keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce
too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris,
and bacteria. The blockage is called a plug or comedone. Acne is caused by changes in pilosebaceous units via androgen
simulation and is characterized by noninflammatory follicular papules or
comedones and by inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules in its more severe
form. Acne usually begins during
adolescence and subsides by the late twenties.
Sometimes, however newborns can develop acne. It may also begin later in life and last well
into middle age but generally it is teenagers who have the most volatile
reactions to acne. This condition tends to run in families too.
What triggers acne?
There
are several factors that trigger acne including skin bacteria, drugs and
industrial chemicals and cosmetics, and others.
It is usually set off by hormonal changes, such as menstrual periods,
pregnancy, or stress. But it can also
be caused by greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products, certain drugs (such as
estrogen, testosterone, steroids, etc.), and by high levels of humidity and
sweating.
Symptoms
-
Blackheads
-
Whiteheads
-
Crusting of skin eruptions
-
Cysts
-
Inflammation or redness around the skin
eruptions
-
Pustules
Can acne be controlled?
Acne
can be controlled with proper skin care and regular use of appropriate
medications. Discuss with your
dermatologist a skin regimen you can try.
Treatment
A
variety of treatments are available to prevent the development and spread of
acne although it may pass with adolescence.
Prevention or early treatment of acne tends to be much more effective
than trying to rid the skin of pits and scars later. For mild acne, all that may be needed is
frequent, gentle cleansing. Washing your
skin gently with mild, lanolin-free soap once or twice a day can help remove
excess sebum (a waxy, oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands) and surface
oils. Do not scrub the skin too
vigorously, especially when using abrasive soaps, since friction could damage
the delicate hair follicle opening through which the sebum must flow. For moderate to severe cases, there are many
over-the-counter topical such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and
resorcinol that effectively controls pimples.
If over-the-counter preparations do not help, your dermatologist may
prescribe a drug or combination of drugs which may be in a form topical
cleanser or gel which is applied directly to skin or tablet or capsule which is
swallowed to work internally. Topical antibiotics,
such as Erythromycin, Tetracycline, or Clindamycin, are particularly effective
against the bacteria living within the follicle and reduce the amount of
irritant free fatty acids in the hair follicle.
However, it may not be enough to eradicate severe inflammatory acne, so
oral antibiotic therapy is recommended.
Call
to schedule your appointment and discuss the best treatment available to you.
For
more information please visit AcneNet.
