What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects many individuals, especially teenagers and young adults. It occurs when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. While acne is not life-threatening, it can cause significant emotional distress, especially if it is severe and persistent.
There are several types of acne, here are the four most common forms:
- Fungal Acne – occurs when yeast builds up in hair follicles, often itchy and inflamed
- Cystic Acne – deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules. Typically severe form of acne and often painful
- Hormonal Acne – when you have an overproduction of sebum (oil) that clogs pores
- Nodular Acne – severe form of acne that consists of both pimples on the surface of your skin and nodular lumps beneath the surface of your skin. Nodular lumps are often tender and painful
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by several factors, including:
- Hormonal Changes - Androgens, a type of hormone, can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores
- Age – While people of all ages can get acne, it is most common in teenagers
- Environmental Factors such as diet, stress, and certain medications can trigger or worsen acne
- Genetics - Studies have shown that if your parents had acne, there's a greater chance you'll develop it too
What are the symptoms of acne?
Symptoms of acne can vary from mild to severe and can include:
- Pimples: Pus-filled bumps
- Papules: Small, discolored bumps, often darker than your natural skin tone, red or purple
- Blackheads: Clogged pores with a black top
- Whiteheads: Clogged pores with a white top.
- Nodules: Large bumps under your skin, often painful
- Cysts: Pus-filled lumps lumps under your skin, often painful
These blemishes can appear on the face, chest, back, and other areas of the body. Acne can also cause inflammation, redness, and irritation, and in some cases, it can lead to scarring.
How do you treat acne?
There are several treatment options available for acne, and the appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild acne can often be treated with over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acids, which help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. More severe cases of acne (like cystic acne) may require prescription medications such as topical or oral antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal therapies. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results.
How do you prevent acne?
While it may not be possible to prevent acne entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition or worsening existing acne, such as:
- Keep your skin clean by washing it twice daily with a gentle cleanser
- Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can irritate the skin
- Avoid picking or squeezing acne blemishes to help to prevent scarring
- Wear non-comedogenic (oil-free) makeup
- Avoid oily or greasy hair products