Acne

Acne is a common skin problem that causes pimples. Most of us have dealt with this in our lives. Sometimes at the most inconvenient times, like before dates, parties, or work presentations. Acne occurs when hair follicles below the skin become blocked. Then bacteria can start to grow, causing inflammation and red bumps.

The most common places where you might have acne are on your: Face. Chest, Forehead, Shoulders, and Upper back.

Oil glands are present all over your body. Common Areas for acne are those with the most oil glands. Teenagers’ acne outbreaks are often a result of hormonal fluctuations. So they generally appear during their teenage years. Similarly, it is common in the week before menstruation and may last until menopause. Pregnant women may also suffer from it. However, possible medications are accessible, but they can be tireless. The pimples and bumps heal gradually, and when one starts to go away, others appear to trim up.

Acne can take several forms. They include:

• Blackheads: A blackhead is a small spot on the skin, particularly on the face, with a black top.
• Whiteheads: These appear as small bumps on your skin. They are white or yellow in appearance. Too much oil can cause it on your skin or irritate hair follicles.
• Papules: Small red or pink bumps that become inflamed.
• Pustules: Pimples that contain pus. They seem like whiteheads encompassed by red rings. It can cause scarring in case picked or scratched.
• Pityrosporum folliculitis (fungal acne): It can occur when an excessive quantity of yeast develops within the hair follicles and becomes irritated and inflamed.
• Nodules: Deep, painful injuries below the skin distinguish nodular acne and often affect the face, chest, or back.
• Cysts: A red lump below the skin, which is painful or delicate to the touch.

Acne scars

Most people who suffer from acne later find themselves with a new problem: acne scars. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne scars are part of the healing process. During the healing process, the skin tries to repair the damage caused by acne. By producing collagen, it heals the skin. The result is a concave scar if you have too little or too much collagen. However, acne scars can be as self-conscious as acne itself. So what can be done about it? The AAD advises on surgery and laser resurfacing……Read more

All of these shapes of acne can influence your self-esteem. So it’s best to look for help from your healthcare provider early so they can help determine the finest treatment option(s) for you.

First, some pores connect to the oil glands under the skin. Second, Follicles connect pores and glands. A follicle is a small sac that produces and secretes liquid. Glands (called sebaceous glands) make an oily liquid called sebum. Sebum carries dead skin cells to the skin surface through the follicles.

On the other hand, small hair grows through the follicle and out of the skin. Whenever these follicles are blocked, acne develops. Cells, sebum, and hair can clump together to form plugs. Because of bacteria infecting this plug, swelling occurs. After all, when the plug begins to break down, pimples form. Propionibacterium acnes (P.-acnes) is the name of the bacteria that live on the skin and contribute to the infection of pimples.

Hormones: A hormone called testosterone, which increases during puberty may cause teenage acne. In boys, this hormone stimulates the growth and development of the penis and testicles, while in girls, it maintains muscle and bone strength. However, sebaceous glands are sensitive to hormones. The glands produce much more sebum than the skin needs due to increased testosterone levels.

Acne in families: Getting acne at an early age is more likely if one or both of your parents have acne.

Acne in Women: More than 80% of acne cases are found in women. Many women experience hormonal changes at certain points in their lives, causing adult acne.

For example:

• Periods – some women have an acne breakout just before their period
• Many pregnant women experience acne symptoms during this time, usually during the first three months of their pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome – a common condition that can cause acne, weight gain, and the formation of small cysts inside the ovary

Other triggers

Other possible triggers for acne outbreaks include:

• Greasy or oily cosmetics and hair care products.
• Certain medications – such as steroid medications, lithium (used to treat depression and bipolar disorder), and some anti-epileptic drugs (used to treat epilepsy)
• Wearing items that place pressure on an affected area of the skin, such as a headband or backpack
• Smoking – which can contribute to acne in older people

Foods that cause acne
Acne is linked to certain diets and foods, including:

• Skim milk
• Whey protein
• Diets are high in sugar

It is important to eat a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help reduce inflammation.

Lab tests are a complete analysis of your whole body. Blood tests are done:

• To diagnose any kind of symptoms.
• To find out how well our organs are working.
• It can monitor chronic health conditions and diseases and find out problems in their early stages.

To find out the cause of your Acne following tests are done :

• Prolactin
• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
• Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)
• Estradiol (E2)
• Thyroid Hormones
• Insulin
• Cortisol
• Testosterone
• Progesterone
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

After trying over-the-counter (nonprescription) acne products for several weeks and they haven’t worked, talk to your doctor about prescription medications. A dermatologist can help you.

• Control your acne
• Avoid scarring or other damage to your skin
• Make scars less noticeable

Anti-acne medications work by reducing oil production and swelling or by treating bacterial infections. It may take four to eight weeks for most prescription acne medications to show results. While it may take many months or years for acne to clear up completely.

Your doctor will recommend a treatment regimen based on your age, acne type, severity, as well as your commitment level. For example, you may need to wash and apply medications to the affected skin twice a day for several weeks. Often topical medications and drugs you take by mouth (oral medications) are used in combination. Due to the risk of side effects, pregnant women have limited treatment options.

Here are the following treatments:

• Antibiotics
• Combined oral contraceptives
• Anti-androgen agents
• Isotretinoin
• Dapsone
• Therapies

In order to get rid of acne at home, follow these steps:

• Wash your skin at least once daily with warm (not hot) water and a gentle cleanser. As well as wash hands frequently, especially before applying lotions, creams, or makeup. Generally, cleansers are a type of skin care product that is easily available on the counter.
• Wash your skin after you exercise or sweat.
• You should avoid skin care products that contain alcohol, astringents, toners, and exfoliants.
• Remove your makeup at the end of the day or before you go to bed.
• Choose an oil-free moisturizer to apply to your skin after cleansing.
• Acne should not be picked, popped, or squeezed. Let your skin heal naturally to prevent scars from forming on your skin.
• Consult a healthcare provider if your at-home skincare routine isn’t effective.

Treatment for Acne scars

Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is right for everyone. The following approaches may improve your skin’s appearance, depending on your scar type and the severity of your scarring.

• Home skin care – Sunscreen can reduce the contrast between scarred and unscarred skin While medicated creams containing azelaic acid or hydroxyl acids may also help.
• Soft tissue fillers – Collagen, fat, or other substances injected under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make scars less noticeable. The effect is temporary, and repeated treatments are necessary to maintain it. It has a low risk of changing the color of the skin.
• Steroid injections – Steroid injections can improve the appearance of raised scars usually.
• Laser resurfacing – It removes the top layer of the skin. This treatment typically has a faster healing time than other resurfacing treatments…Read more