Acne is a common skin condition where the skin pores get clogged. These pore blockages lead to blackheads, whiteheads and other types of pimples.
Acne – a common skin condition – usually causes pimples on the face. While teenagers and young adults most often get acne owing to hormonal changes, it can also occur during adulthood. Caused by clogged pores, acne can be treated effectively to get clear skin and prevent scarring.
If you have pimples on your face, then connect with one of the best dermatologists in Kolkata at Apollo Hospital Kolkata. Read on to learn about the different types of acne and their treatment.
More About Acne
Acne primarily develops due to clogged pores caused by excess oil (sebum) production, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Oil glands exist all over the body, but they are most active on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders and the upper back. That is why, these are the most common locations of acne (medical term: acne vulgaris).
For most people, acne affects them at some point in their lifetime. Hormonal changes, especially during adolescence or adulthood, can trigger excess oil production, contributing to acne. Also, the risk of developing acne increases if one has a family history of the skin condition.
Certain factors like stress, unhealthy diets, or using unsuitable skincare products can worsen acne. It is to be noted that adult acne is more common amongst people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
Types of Acne
There are several types of acne that include:
- Cystic Acne: It causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules, leaving scars behind.
- Fungal Acne or Pityrosporum Folliculitis: It occurs when yeast builds up in hair follicles, leading to itchiness and inflammation.
- Hormonal Acne: It affects people who have an overproduction of sebum clogging their pores.
- Nodular Acne: A severe form of acne, it causes pimples on the surface of the skin, and tender, nodular lumps under the skin.
Acne Symptoms
The following are the symptoms of acne:
- Pus-filled pimples
- Small, discolored bumps
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Painful large lumps under the skin
- Cysts
Notably, mild acne can cause a few occasional pimples, moderate acne leads to inflammatory papules, and severe acne develops nodules and cysts.
Causes of Acne
Clogged hair follicles (small tubes that hold hair strands) or pores cause acne. It is to be noted that several glands empty into hair follicles. And, a clog occurs when too much material (like sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells) is inside the hair follicle.
When pores clog, substances plug up the hair follicle, creating a pimple. This leads to inflammation that is visible through skin discolouration like redness around a pimple. Also, one can feel pain and swelling.
What Triggers Acne?
The following things in the environment can contribute to acne, making an acne breakout worse:
- Wearing tight-fitting clothing and headgear like hats and sports helmets
- Air pollution
- Certain weather conditions, especially high humidity
- Using oily or greasy personal care products like heavy lotions and creams
- Stress, which increases the hormone cortisol
- Foods and beverages, such as skim milk, whey protein and items high in sugar
Acne Treatment
Treatment options are based on one’s age and the type of acne he/she is suffering from. Also, dermatologists consider the severity, including grade 1 (mild), grade 2 (moderate or pustular acne), grade 3 (moderately severe or nodulocystic acne) and grade 4 (severe nodulocystic acne) for treatment.
With an aim to stop new pimples from forming and heal the existing blemishes on the skin, the following treatment options can work well when used under the guidance and recommendation of a doctor like one of the best dermatologists in Kolkata at Apollo Hospital Kolkata:
- Topical Medications: Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, dapsone, retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) and antibiotics (like clindamycin and erythromycin)
- Oral Medications: Antibiotics (like tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline), isotretinoin, hormone therapy, and certain contraceptives containing a combination of estrogen and progesterone
- Additional Therapies: Steroids, lasers and light therapy, and chemical peels
Besides, eating a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene can help reduce inflammation.
To summarise, different acne types have different treatment options available. From topical to oral, acne medications work by reducing oil production and swelling and/or treating bacterial infection. If you are suffering from acne, then seek assistance from one of the best dermatologists in Kolkata at Apollo Hospital Kolkata.
