How to treat acne -what is worth knowing?
What is Acne?
Acne is an incredibly common skin condition which is normally identified by the presence of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules).
It usually starts during puberty but has been known to present in some younger children. Occasionally, young children will develop blackheads and/or pustules on the cheeks or nose.
Acne can range from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest, which lots of teenagers will have, to a more severe problem that may cause scarring. For most people, it tends to go away by the early to mid-twenties, but it can go on for longer in some individuals.
Acne has also been known to develop for the first time in people in their late twenties and even beyond.
What are Papules and Pustules Acne?
Acne Papules
Acne papules are typically small reddish lesions that appear on the surface of your skin due to clogged pores. They are normally less than 5mm and are not pus-filled. If they do accumulate pus, they convert into a pustule.
Acne Pustules
Pustules are what we normally refer to as a pimple. They have a pus-filled yellow or white head and are usually bigger in size than papules.
What is Nodular Acne?
Like pimples, nodular acne begins when a pore becomes clogged. Natural oils (sebum) mix with dead skin cells and get trapped inside the clogged pore.
Most often, this causes a blackhead or a pimple that clears up quickly. For those with nodular acne, clogged pores can lead to a more severe breakout.
Nodular acne normally forms when a type of bacteria called P. acnes that live on the skin get trapped inside the clogged pore. This can lead to an infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin.
The infection can cause inflammation in the deep skin layers, creating hard nodules.
Nodules can occur on their own or spread over a large area, causing patches of nodules.
Unlike regular pimples, acne nodules tend not to form a head. Attempting to squeeze them will not release pus and may lead to further inflammation.
What causes Acne?
To maintain healthy skin our sebaceous glands, produce a vital oil called sebum.
A type of bacteria called P. acnes resides on the surface of our skin, beneath which lie the sebaceous glands.
Sometimes, these tiny pores get clogged with oil, dirt, and bacteria. When the body releases chemicals to fight the bacteria, it causes inflammation. This may result in the formation of a papule, that may, later, develop into a pustule or your typical pimple.
Our sebaceous (oil-producing) glands are affected by our hormones. In people who have acne, the glands are particularly sensitive, even to normal blood levels of these hormones. This causes the glands to produce too much oil. At the same time, the lining of the pores (the small holes in the skin’s surface) becomes thickened and dead skin cells are not shed properly. A mixture of the oil (sebum) and dead skin cells builds up and plugs the pores producing blackheads and whiteheads. The plug of dead skin turns black from exposure to air and not due to dirt.
The acne bacteria (now known as Cutibacterium acnes) live on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems. In those with acne, the build-up of oil creates an ideal environment for the bacteria to multiply. This is accompanied by inflammation which leads to the formation of red, swollen, or pus-filled spots.
Sometimes acne can be caused by medication given for other health conditions or by certain contraceptive injections or pills. Some tablets taken by bodybuilders contain hormones that can trigger acne too.
Diet can influence acne. High glycaemic index (GI) diets (e.g., sugar and sugary foods, white bread, potatoes, white rice etc) have been shown to cause or aggravate acne.
Most acne sufferers have normal hormone levels if evaluated; however, acne can sometimes be caused by a problem with the hormones.
What are the symptoms of Acne?
Acne can affect people differently but typical the appearance of acne is a combination of the following: oily skin, blackheads, whiteheads, red spots, and pus-filled pimples. Often, larger, deeper bumps (known as nodules) or cysts (which resemble boils) may develop. Affected skin may feel hot, painful and be tender to touch.
Acne can leave scars or marks on the skin, particularly in the presence of nodules and cysts. These may be raised and lumpy (known as hypertrophic or keloid scars) or indented (known as pitted or atrophic scars). Acne can also leave discolouration which may be red, hyperpigmented (darker than your usual skin colour) or hypopigmented (lighter than your normal skin colour).
Not all spots are acne, so if there is something unusual about the rash it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Living with Acne
An important aspect of having acne is the effect on mood and self-esteem. Extensive studies have shown that acne itself has a negative psychological impact.
In both teens and adults, acne lowers self-esteem and can lead to self-consciousness and depression. The emotional effects of acne are real and serious, particularly for people with more severe cases of acne.
Dedicated treatments
CPL skin rejuvenation, Chemical / Fruit Peels, Therapeutic Masks, Home care routine for your face.
Please contact me if you have any questions.