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ACNE

Understanding and Managing Acne

By Al Rauf OkalPublished about a year ago Updated 11 months ago 4 min read
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ACNE
Photo by Polina Kondrashova on Unsplash

Millions of people throughout the world suffer from ACNE, which is a widespread skin disorder that is most prevalent during adolescence. Some people get more severe cases of acne in adulthood. It is characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the face, chest, and back. Acne can lower life quality by causing social and psychological suffering. We will discuss the causes, types, and available treatments for acne.

Causes of Acne:

Acne is caused by a combination of factors that include:

1. Excess oil production: The sebaceous glands in the skin produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin. When these glands produce excess sebum, it can clog the hair follicles, leading to the formation of acne.

2. Bacteria: The skin is home to a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which can multiply in the hair follicles and cause inflammation.

3. Hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can cause acne. Androgens are male hormones that are present in both males and females and stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.

4. Diet: Some studies have shown that certain foods like dairy, high glycemic index carbohydrates, and chocolate may trigger acne.

Types of Acne:

There are several types of acne, each with a different appearance and severity.

a) Comedones: Comedones are the most common type of acne and appear as small, white or black bumps. Whiteheads are closed comedones that appear as small white bumps, while blackheads are open comedones that appear as black or dark brown bumps.

b) Papules: Papules are small, red, raised bumps on the skin that are tender to the touch.

c) Pustules: Pustules are similar to papules but contain pus, a yellow or white fluid.

d) Nodules: Nodules are large, painful, and deep pimples that form beneath the skin's surface.

e) Cysts: Cysts are the most severe form of acne and are large, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.

TREATEMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

1. Topical treatments

Topical treatments are medications applied directly to the skin. These include:

a. Retinoids: These are derivatives of vitamin A and are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms. Retinoids work by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. They are effective in treating mild to moderate acne.

b. Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is available in both prescription and OTC forms. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by unclogging pores. It is effective in treating mild to moderate acne.

c. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are available in both topical and oral forms. They work by killing the bacteria that cause acne and reducing inflammation. They are effective in treating moderate to severe acne.

By Fayette Reynolds on Unsplash

2. Oral treatments

Oral treatments are medications taken by mouth. These include:

a. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are available in both topical and oral forms. Oral antibiotics are used to treat moderate to severe acne. They work by killing the bacteria that cause acne and reducing inflammation.

b. Hormonal therapy: Hormonal therapy is used to treat acne in women. It works by regulating the hormones that cause acne. Hormonal therapy is effective in treating acne that is caused by hormonal imbalances.

c. Isotretinoin: Isotretinoin is a powerful oral medication used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. It works by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands and the amount of oil they produce. Isotretinoin is associated with several side effects and is only used in severe cases of acne.

3. Procedures

Procedures are medical treatments performed by a dermatologist. These include:

a. Chemical peels: Chemical peels are a type of procedure that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin. The solution causes the skin to peel off, revealing smoother, less acne-prone skin underneath.

b. Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a type of procedure that involves using a special device to exfoliate the top layer of skin. This helps to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne.

c. Light therapy: Light therapy is a type of procedure that involves using a special device to emit different types of light onto the skin. The light helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

In addition to medical treatments, there are also several lifestyle changes that can help to prevent and treat acne. These include:

By Brooke Lark on Unsplash

a. Cleansing the skin: It is important to cleanse the skin twice a day to remove oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause acne.

b. Avoiding touching the face: Touching the face can transfer bacteria and oil from the hands to the face, leading to acne.

c. Avoiding tight clothing: Tight clothing can trap sweat and oil against the skin, leading to acne.

d. Eating a healthy diet: A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in processed foods and sugar can help to reduce inflammation and prevent acne.

e. Managing stress: Stress can cause the body to produce more oil, leading to acne. It is important to find ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or yoga.

In conclusion, acne is a common skin condition that can be managed.

Visit a Dermatologist or a skin therapist for proper and proffesional advice.

Yours truly,

Al Rauf Okal

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About the Creator

Al Rauf Okal

Do you love your body? I am an enthusiast of healthy living. I’ll be sharing on ways of living healthy. We got to enjoy life and make the best out of it. Make a point to subscribe, support and give reviews.

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