Although teenagers are more prone to acne yet it can affect people of all ages. Even people in their mid-40s get acne. There is no need to feel depressed about acne as they are curable. But before adopting any method or treatment to cure acne it is important to know why it occurs and also the various types of acne to select the suitable solution.
Causes of acne
Several factors combine to cause acne. During puberty the sebaceous glands are stimulated by the male hormones secreted from adrenalin glands. The sebaceous glands are connected to a canal called follicle which contain hair. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum, a natural substance that lubricates our skin. The follicle helps in passing the sebum. But under certain circumstances the follicle may not pass the sebum. The cells of the walls of the follicle shed fast and clump together. The sebum, clumped cells and bacteria react together to create acne.
Acne prone areas
Acne generally occurs in areas that has the densest presence of sebaceous glands like the face, neck, back, chest and buttocks.
Acne types, causes & treatment
Types of acne
For our ease of understanding we will classify acne as mild to moderate and severe acne.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne Vulgaris is the medical term used to refer to common acne which comprises of open and closed acne. Mild to moderate Acne Vulgaris consists of the following types of lesions.
When a plugged follicle remains below the skin it is called a closed comedo or whitehead. It appears as a whitish bump on skin.
An open comedo is called a blackhead. The black color occurs due to the interaction of oxygen and melanin.
What are Papules?
These are the pink bumps that appear on skin and cause mild inflammation. They are sensitive to touches.
What are Pustules?
These are small and round lesions and are inflammatory. They contain pus and may contain a red base with a white or yellowish center.
Severe Acne Vulgaris
Nodules and cysts represent severe Acne Vulgaris.
Acne nodules under skin
Nodules are large, hard and deep lesions that are very painful. When comedones explode and the contents spill on the skin, nodules are formed. They are lodged inside the skin and can take weeks or months to heal. Unhealed nodules can flare up again and again. They often leave behind scars.
Acne cyst
A pus-filled nodule which has diameter of over 5mm is called a cyst. It is very painful and cause inflammation.
Acne Rosacea
It looks like red rash and mostly appears on face. There can be bumps, skin blemishes and pimple too. Acne Rosacea is often confused with Acne Vulgaris but these two are different and require different treatment also. This type of acne is more common in people who are in their 30s and is more prevalent in women.
Perioral Dermatitis is characterized by tiny papules and pustules that occur mostly in young women. They are mostly found on the mouth and are very itchy.
Severe types of acne
Severe acne is rare but is very painful and often requires long term medical treatments.
Acne Conglobata mostly attacks men
Acne Conglobata is a chronic type of acne which is characterized by presence of deep lesions which are inflammatory. The comedones sometimes join together and nodules are formed around them. The comedones explode and foul-smelling pus is discharged. Ulcers may also form under the nodules. Deep and irregular scars are left behind.
Acne Conglobata afflicts mostly men in the age group of 18-30 years.
Acne Fulminans
This is an abrupt form of Acne Conglobata that affects young men. It is normally accompanied by fever and aching joints. Severe and ulcerating acne are found which leave behind deep scars.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis
This acne is developed by inflammation of follicles which is caused by bacterial infection. Mostly patients who are under treatment of severe acne are more prone to it.
Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans)
This is a severe type of acne that occurs in women in the age group of 20-40. It occurs on face and consists of painful nodules and pustules. It occurs abruptly and may affect a woman who had never experienced acne.
Treatment of acne
Acne treatment will depend on the severity of the case and also the type of acne.
Mild to moderate acne can be cured by home remedies and by adopting a good skin care regime but for severe acne you need medical care.
Home remedies for acne
- Keep your skin clean and dry. Wash your face with mild cleansers or use anti-bacterial cleanser- benzyl peroxide.
- Exfoliate your skin regularly to open pores and remove dead cells.
- Keep hair clean and away from face.
- Remember to remove makeup at the end of day.
- Do not prick the acne as it could create scars.
- Pustules and cysts can be treated effectively by applying hot compresses.
For moderate and severe acne you may require to consult your dermatologist.
Topical medicines are prescribed to apply on the affected area like erythromycin, azelaic acid etc.
Retin-A is a widely used drug to treat acne. Oral antibiotics like tetracycline and amoxicillin are other popular choices.
For severe acne like Acne Conglobata and Acne Fulminans isotretinoin is the best treatment. This also works for recurring and resistant acne. But the drug has several fatal side effects for which it should be always taken on doctor’s prescription only.
Often steroids and corticosteroids are prescribed to treat severe acne.
Laser treatments have recently gained popularity and are effective also.
No matter what type of acne you have, there is always a treatment available for it. So instead of feeling depressed select the right treatment for yourself.
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- How to treat acne Conglobata – acne conglobata treatment and remedies is possible
- How to remove whiteheads – precautions against whitehead acne
Accurate advice. Thanks. It is possible to successfully treat zits