Acne is a dermatological disease of the pilosebaceous unit (hair and oil follicle). Especially in people with genetic predisposition, oil secretion begins to increase with the puberty period. Acne problems can also occur when the oil, dirt and dead skin on your skin clog the pores.
Typically, acne is the result of a mix of 4 factors – excessive oil production/active sebaceous glands, clogged sebaceous gland ducts (hypercornification), the presence of C. acnes (the bacteria responsible for acne), and the resulting inflammation.
Although ACNE occurs due to genetic factors, some factors can trigger it.
These;
.- Excessive use of cosmetics / not removing make-up well.
– Oil application
– Spending excessive time in the sun, not using sunscreen
– Whey protein (whey protein) / steroid supplements – this type typically occurs on the back, chest and shoulders.
– Hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovarian disease, thyroid disease, diabetes – this is one of the most important associations with acne today.
– Stress
– Medications – anticonvulsants, occlusive creams, steroids (oral/topical), etc.
-Nutrition (Western diet, carbohydrate-rich vegetable-fruit-poor diet)
Acne Treatment Methods
There are several treatment methods for acne problems that your doctor will decide on:
Life style
Patients with mild acne or pimples can get rid of acne with lifestyle changes. Oil is a major cause of acne, so keeping our skin clean is quite important. Oils from your hair and face accumulate on your pillow or phone screen. Changing your pillowcase daily or weekly can help prevent this buildup.
You should wash your face two to three times a day with warm water and a gentle non-abrasive cleanser. Do not rub your skin too hard. Also, avoid using skin care products that may be irritating, such as scented lotions or oil-based makeup.
These practices, recommended by your doctor, can go a long way in helping you resolve mild acne.
Topical Medicines
Topical medications are lotions, gels, and creams that you apply to your skin.
OTC (over-the-counter) acne products often contain the active ingredient salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These substances reduce the amount of fat your body produces. They also fight inflammation. These effects help treat existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.
Prescription topical medications can be helpful when OTC products are not strong enough. These acne gels or creams may contain tretinoin (a retinoid drug that comes from vitamin A), a stronger version of benzoyl peroxide, or an antibiotic called clindamycin. These are used to kill bacteria when your acne is moderate to severe.
Oral medications
Oral medications for acne are also called systemic treatments because they are absorbed by your entire body. They are only available with a prescription from your doctor. These medications are commonly used to treat moderate to severe acne that does not respond to topical agents. Three types of systemic medications used to treat acne include:
antibiotics
Antibiotics are often used in conjunction with topical medications when gels and creams alone do not improve your condition.
birth control pills
A birth control pill may be prescribed by your doctor as it can help treat acne by regulating hormone levels in women.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a powerful drug from the retinoid family. It reduces the size of the sebaceous glands, making them produce less oil and helps regulate skin cell turnover. Isotretinoin is mostly used for people with severe cystic acne or moderate to mild acne resistant to topical treatments.
Medical Procedures to Treat Acne
Although not as widely prescribed as medication, several medical procedures your doctor deems appropriate may be used to treat severe acne.
Drainage and extraction
During drainage and extraction, your doctor manually empties the large cysts that form under your skin. It removes fluids, dirt, pus and dead skin from the cyst to reduce infection and pain. Your doctor may inject antibiotics or steroids into the cyst to speed healing and reduce the risk of scarring.
Laser Therapy
Laser light helps reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria on your skin.
Chemical peeling and microdermabrasion
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion remove the top layer of your skin. In this process, white spots and black spots are also removed.