Acne Skin
Acne is a skin condition that causes spots and pimples,
especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. It occurs
when oil and dead skin block hair follicles, causing inflammation. Causes Human
skin has pores that connect to oil glands under the skin. Follicles connect the
glands to the pores. Follicles are small sacs that produce and secrete liquid. The
glands produce an oily liquid Trusted Source called sebum. Sebum carries dead
skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows
through the follicle out of the skin.
Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked, and oil builds up under the skin. Skin cells, sebum, and hair can clump together into a plug. This plug gets infected with bacteria, and swelling results. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down. Propone bacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the name of the bacteria that live on the skin and contributes to the infection of pimple
Hormonal factors; A range of factors triggers acne,
but the main cause is thought to be a rise in androgen levels. Androgen
is a type of hormone, the levels of which rise when adolescence begins. In
women, it gets converted into estrogen. Rising androgen levels cause the
oil glands under the skin to grow. The enlarged gland produces more sebum.
Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in the pores, causing bacteria to
grow.
Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives can help control acne in women by
suppressing the overactive gland. They are commonly used as long-term acne
treatments. These may not be suitable for women who: have a blood-clotting
disorder smoke ,have a history of migraines are over 35 years old. It is
important to check with a gynecologist first.
Topical antimicrobials Topical antimicrobials also
aim to reduce P. acnes in patients with moderate to severe acne. Examples are and
sodium. The dermatologist may prescribe a topical retinoid. Topical
are a derivative of vitamin A. They unclog the pores and prevent whiteheads and
blackheads from developing.
Isotretinoin; This
is a strong, oral retinoid, used for the treatment of severe cystic acne and
severe acne that has not responded to other medications and treatments. It
is a strictly controlled medication with potentially serious side effects. The
patient must sign a consent form to say that they understand the risks. Prevention
and management tips. Here are some tips for looking after skin that has
acne or is prone to it. Wash your face no more than twice each day with
warm water and mild soap made especially for acne. Do not scrub the skin
or burst the pimples, as this may push the infection further down, causing more
blocking, swelling, and redness. Avoid popping pimples, as this makes
scarring likelier.
A specialist can treat a pimple that requires rapid
removal for cosmetic reasons. Refrain from touching the face. Hold the
telephone away from the face when talking, as it is likely to contain sebum and
skin residue. Wash hands frequently, especially before applying lotions,
creams, or makeup. Clean spectacles regularly as they collect sebum and skin residue.
If acne is on the back, shoulders, or chest, try wearing loose clothing to let
the skin breathe. Avoid tight garments, such as headbands, caps, and scarves,
or wash them regularly if used. Choose makeup for sensitive skin and avoid
oil-based products. Remove makeup before sleeping. Use an electric shaver or
sharp safety razors when shaving. Soften the skin and beard with warm soapy
water before applying shaving cream. Keep hair clean, as it collects sebum and
skin residue. Avoid greasy hair products, such as those containing cocoa
butter. Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it can cause the skin to produce more
sebum. Several acne medications increase the risk of sunburn.
Avoid anxiety and stress, as it can increase production of cortical and adrenaline, which exacerbate acne. Try to keep cool and dry in hot and humid climates, to prevent sweating. Acne is a common problem. It can cause severe embarrassment, but treatment is available, and it is effective in many cases. Last medically reviewed on November 27, 2017.
Keep hair clean
If excess oil in the hair travels to the skin, it can worsen acne. Regularly washing the hair may stop acne from developing, especially close to the hairline. Hair care products that contain oil can also cause pimples on the head and hairline. Avoiding these products can lower the risk of developing pimples. Discover 7 of the best shampoos for scalp acne here. Refrain from popping or picking at pimples. It may be tempting to squeeze a pimple, but it can cause inflammation and scarring. To reduce the appearance of blemishes, use a topical treatment instead. They may take some time to work, but they can also prevent new pimples from forming.
Apply topical treatments
Over-the-counter treatments, such as creams or serums, can
reduce breakouts, particularly when they occur in certain areas. The following
problem areas are common. Topical antibiotics can fight an overgrowth of P.
acne bacteria in the skin. Examples of antibiotics that treat this inflammatory
acne include erythromycin which are available by prescription. Alone, these
antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant to treatment. As a result,
doctors will prescribe antibiotic treatments in combination with peroxide to
reduce the risk Trusted Source of developing resistant bacteria. A person can
identify inflammatory acne by its discolored, irritated appearance. It can also
be painful. Learn more about inflammatory acne here.
Talk to a doctor about hormone pills ; In cases of
female hormonal acne, birth control pills can help prevent breakouts by helping
to regulate Trusted Source the hormones that may make acne worse. However,
these pills carry risks, so it is essential to review the benefits and side
effects before deciding. A medication doctors use to treat high blood
pressure, may also help in cases of severe female hormonal acne. However, has
many possible side effects, so it is best to speak with a doctor to discuss all
options. Doctors do not recommend either of these medications for use in males.
Cut back on foods linked to acne. Doctors are not certain of the
connection between foods and acne. However, a growing body of research Trusted
Source suggests that some foods may trigger acne in certain patients. These
potentially problematic foods are sugary and high in carbohydrates. Some
examples include:
Wear sunscreen when going outdoors
Too much sun has many damaging effects on the skin. Sunburn
can also lead to an overproduction of oils Trusted Source that make acne worse.
However, a person should ensure their sunscreen is and safe for use on the
face. Consider light or laser therapies A dermatologist may recommend
photodynamic therapy to treat acne and pimples. In photodynamic therapy, a
medical professional applies a topical solution that makes the skin more
susceptible to light. Following this, they will target the acne area with a
focused light source. This can destroy dead skin cells and bacteria. There are
many other light and laser therapies that can reduce the appearance of acne
blemishes and pimples through similar means.
Avoid skincare
products that contain oil; Skin care products containing oil can clog the
pores. This can worsen acne symptoms and increase the likelihood of developing
pimples. Using topical products, such as moisturizers and sunscreens
that do not contain oil can help to reduce the risk of blocking pores. People
refer to products that do not contain oil.
Refrain from
excess exfoliation; Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from
the skin. While some exfoliation can help improve acne, too much can
worsen breakouts. This happens when a person removes too much natural oil from
the skin.

0 Comments