Acne: reasons, treatment, scarring, Dos & Don'ts

Acne is a medical skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.

It is most common among teenagers, but it can happen at any age.

Main reasons for acne:

1. Excess oil (sebum) production

2. Bacteria

3. inflammation

4. hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin

Acne can last anywhere from few weeks up to few months till completely clears out, one of the main undesirable side effects after having acne is acne scarring.

Treatment:

After the doctor's diagnosis of acne, type and reason.

one of the following treatments will be assigned and might/might not get adjusted during the course of treatment till complete healing:

Acne treatment:

• Retinoids: Prevent clogging of hair follicles. Prescribed as topical or oral medication. To be taken under physician supervision only.

Tretinoin. Adapalene. Isotretinoin

• Antibiotics: Prevent spread of bacterial infection. Prescribed as topical and oral medication.

Azithromycin. Tetracycline. Amoxicillin

• Keratolytic agents: Promote skin exfoliation. Prescribed as topical agents.

Salicylic acid

• Dicarboxylic acids: Reduces bacterial infection and inflammation. Prescribed as topical agents.

Azelaic acid

• Sulfones: Reduces inflammation. Prescribed as topical or oral agents. Recommended in some cases.

Dapsone

• Oral contraceptives: Helps control hormonal acne in women. Prescribed as oral agents. Recommended in some cases.

Estrogen/Progestin

• Antiandrogens: Prevents the effect of androgen on oil glands in the skin. Prescribed as oral agents. Prescribed as oral agents. Recommended in some cases.

Spironolactone

• Corticosteroids: Reduces inflammation. Prescribed as topical, oral or injection forms in severe acne.

Scarring:

The duration and severity of acne often correlates to the degree of resultant scarring. 

Scarring is more common in patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris, Scarring can also be exacerbated due to picking or squeezing of primary lesions (pimples)

Some patients may have a predilection to scarring compared to others. For example, research suggests that smoking increases the risk of more severe acne scarring.

The formation of scars is a normal reaction of the skin in response to inflammation or injury. Further injury such as ‘picking’ at active acne lesions can also increase the likelihood of developing acne scars. 

Does & Don'ts:

• Do: -regular visits to the dermatologist -use products designed for you skin type -moisturise -commit to your treatment plan -use a clean towel ONLY for your face -be patient

• Don't: -touch face with dirty hands -over exfoliate, over wash -cover acne with makeup -stop in the middle of your treatment plan -share makeup brushes with others