Your skin has tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by sebum, bacteria, dead cells and dirt. When this happens, you can develop a pimple, sometimes also called an acne pimple or blemish. What is this blemish? Is it a blackhead, papule or something else? Find out in this article what different acne pimples look like and how to treat them.
Who suffers from acne?
Acne affects people of all races and ages, but is most common among teenagers and young adults. When acne appears during adolescence, it is more common in men. Acne can persist into adulthood, in which case it’s more common in women.
What are the different types of acne?
Acne causes several types of lesions, or pimples. Types of acne include:
- Whiteheads: Clogged hair follicles that remain under the skin and produce a white bump.
- Blackheads: Clogged follicles that reach the skin’s surface and open up. They appear black on the surface of the skin because the air bleaches the sebum, not because they are dirty.
- Papules: Inflamed lesions that usually appear as small pink bumps on the skin and may be tender to the touch.
- Pustules or pimples : Papules surmounted by white or yellow lesions filled with pus and whose base may be red.
- Nodules: Large, solid, painful lesions deep in the skin.
- Severe nodular acne (sometimes called cystic acne): Deep, painful, pus-filled lesions.
What causes acne?
Doctors and researchers believe that one or more of the following causes can lead to the development of acne:
- Excessive or high sebum production in the pores.
- Accumulation of dead skin cells in the pore.
- Bacterial growth in the pore.
The following factors can increase the risk of developing acne:
- An increase in androgens, which are male sex hormones, can lead to acne. These hormones normally increase in both boys and girls during puberty, causing the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. Hormonal changes linked to pregnancy can also cause acne.
- Family history. Researchers believe that you are more likely to have acne if your parents have had it.
- Medications. Certain medications, such as those containing hormones, corticosteroids and lithium, can cause acne.
- Acne can appear at any age, but is more common in teenagers.
The following factors do not cause acne, but can make it worse.
- Some studies show that eating certain foods can make acne worse. Researchers continue to investigate the role of diet as a cause of acne.
- Pressure exerted by sports helmets, tight clothing or backpacks.
- Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity.
- Squeezing or scratching blemishes.
- Rubbing the skin too hard.
How is acne treated?
The goals of treatment are to help heal existing lesions, prevent new lesions from forming and prevent scarring. Medication can help stop some of the causes of acne, such as abnormal clumping of cells in follicles, high sebum levels, bacteria and inflammation. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to be taken by mouth or applied to the skin.Find out in this article what differentacne pimples look like and how theacne treatment works Acne scars treatment in gurgaon
Topical medications, which you apply to the skin, include:
- Over-the-counter products such as benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria and can reduce sebum production.
- Antibiotics, which are generally used in conjunction with other topical medications.
- Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A and can help treat lesions and reduce inflammation. They can also help prevent acne formation and aid healing.
- Salicylic acid, which helps eliminate blackheads and whiteheads and reduce the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles.
- Sulfur, which helps get rid of whiteheads and blackheads.
Topical medications come in many forms, including gels, lotions, creams, soaps and pads. In some people, topical medications may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning or redness. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience.
For some people, the doctor may prescribe oral medications, such as:
- Antibiotics, which help slow or stop the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics for moderate to severe acne, such as severe nodular acne (also known as cystic acne).
- Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid, works through the bloodstream to help treat acne and open pores. This allows other drugs, such as antibiotics, to penetrate follicles and treat acne. As with topical retinoids, taking the medication orally can also help prevent acne formation and reduce scarring.
- Hormone therapy, used mainly in women, which helps stop the effects of androgens on the sebaceous gland.
- Corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation in cases of severe acne, including severe nodular acne.
Some people with severe acne or acne scarring who don’t respond to topical or oral medications may need additional treatments, such as :
- Laser and other light therapies. However, researchers are still studying the best types of light and the amount needed to treat acne.
- Injection of corticosteroids directly into the affected areas of your skin.
- Superficial chemical peeling recommended by a doctor and applied to the affected area.
- Filling acne scars with a substance designed to improve their appearance.
- Treatment of acne scars using tiny needles to promote healing.
- Surgical procedures to help treat and repair scars.
Living with acne
If you suffer from acne, the following recommendations can help you look after your skin.
- Cleanse your skin gently. Use a mild cleanser in the morning, evening and after strenuous physical activity. Try to avoid using harsh soaps, astringents or rough exfoliating pads. Rinse your skin with lukewarm water.
- Shampoo your hair regularly, especially if you have oily hair.
- Avoid rubbing and touching skin lesions. Squeezing or picking at blemishes can lead to scarring or dark spots.
- Shave carefully. Make sure the blade is sharp and soften the hair with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Shave gently and only when necessary to reduce the risk of nicking spots.
- Use sunscreen and avoid sunburn and tanning. Many medications used to treat acne can make you more vulnerable to sunburn. That’s why we recommend using sunscreen for acne-prone skin.
- Choose your cosmetics carefully. All cosmetics and hair care products should be oil-free. Choose products labeled as non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores. For some people, however, even these products can aggravate acne.
Acne can be a source of embarrassment, shyness or anxiety. If you experience any of these feelings, talk to your doctor.
The bottom line
Acne can be difficult, but there are many effective treatments that can help reduce breakouts and heal your skin.
If you continue to suffer from painful or persistent breakouts, our dermatologist in Gurgaon can help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your skin and reduce scarring.If you continue to suffer from painful or persistent breakouts, a dermatologist in Gurgaon dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your skin and reduce scarring.