Acne: Causes, Type and Treatment

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the hair follicles on your skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, bacteria and dirt. This can lead to various types of pimples, such as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Acne can cause physical discomfort, emotional distress and scarring.

What causes acne?

Acne is mainly caused by an excess production of sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin and hair. Sebum helps to keep your skin healthy and moist, but when it mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, it can form a plug in your pores. This creates an ideal environment for the bacteria to grow and cause inflammation and infection.

Some factors that can trigger or worsen acne include:

  • Hormonal changes: Hormones play a key role in regulating sebum production. During puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause, hormonal fluctuations can increase sebum levels and cause acne breakouts. Some medications, such as birth control pills and steroids, can also affect your hormones and acne.
  • Genetics: Acne tends to run in families. If your parents or siblings have acne, you are more likely to develop it too. Some genetic factors can make your skin more sensitive to sebum and bacteria, or influence how your immune system responds to inflammation.
  • Stress: Stress can affect your hormones, immune system and mood. It can also trigger or worsen acne by increasing sebum production, inflammation and skin picking.
  • Diet: Certain foods may contribute to acne by affecting your blood sugar levels, hormones or inflammation. Some examples are dairy products, refined carbohydrates, chocolate and spicy foods. However, the link between diet and acne is not clear-cut and may vary from person to person.
  • Skincare products: Some skincare products can clog your pores or irritate your skin. These include oily or greasy cosmetics, moisturizers, sunscreens and hair products. You should look for products that are labeled as non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), oil-free or water-based.
  • Environment: Environmental factors such as heat, humidity, pollution and friction can also aggravate acne by increasing sweat production, trapping dirt and bacteria on your skin or causing irritation.

What are the types of acne?

Acne can be classified into different types based on the appearance and severity of the pimples. The main types of acne are:

  • Comedonal acne: This type of acne consists of blackheads and whiteheads, which are small bumps with a black or white top. They are caused by clogged pores that are open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads).
  • Inflammatory acne: This type of acne consists of papules and pustules, which are red, swollen bumps that may contain pus. They are caused by infected pores that are inflamed by bacteria.
  • Nodular acne: This type of acne consists of nodules, which are large, hard lumps under the skin that are painful to touch. They are caused by deep infection and inflammation of the pores that damage the surrounding tissue.
  • Cystic acne: This type of acne consists of cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs under the skin that are very painful and prone to scarring. They are caused by severe infection and inflammation of the pores that rupture the follicle wall.

How is acne diagnosed?

Acne is usually diagnosed by a visual examination of your skin by a healthcare provider. They will look at the number, type and location of your pimples to determine the severity and possible causes of your acne. They may also ask you about your medical history, family history, lifestyle habits and medications.

In some cases, they may perform some tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms or complications. These tests may include:

  • Blood tests: To check for hormonal imbalances, infections or allergies.
  • Skin tests: To identify any fungal or bacterial infections or allergic reactions.
  • Skin biopsy: To examine a sample of your skin under a microscope for signs of inflammation or scarring.

How is acne treated?

Acne treatment depends on the type and severity of your acne, as well as your personal preferences and goals. The main objectives of acne treatment are to:

  • Clear existing pimples
  • Prevent new pimples from forming
  • Reduce inflammation and redness
  • Minimize scarring and pigmentation

There are various treatment options available for acne, ranging from over-the-counter products to prescription medications to cosmetic procedures. Some of the most common treatments are:

  • Topical treatments: These are creams, gels or lotions that you apply directly to your skin. They contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids or antibiotics that help to unclog pores, kill bacteria, reduce inflammation or speed up cell turnover. You may need to use them for several weeks or months to see results.
  • Oral treatments: These are pills that you swallow. They include antibiotics, isotretinoin, hormonal contraceptives or anti-androgens that help to reduce sebum production, fight infection, balance hormones or block the effects of male hormones on your skin. You may need to take them for several months or years to see results.
  • Cosmetic procedures: These are treatments that you undergo at a clinic or spa. They include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, light therapy or injections that help to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, reduce scarring or shrink oil glands. You may need to repeat them several times to see results.

How can I prevent acne?

Acne prevention is based on avoiding or minimizing the factors that can trigger or worsen acne. Some of the steps you can take to prevent acne are:

  • Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Avoid scrubbing, popping or picking your pimples as this can irritate your skin and cause more breakouts.
  • Use oil-free, non-comedogenic skincare products that suit your skin type. Moisturize your skin daily and apply sunscreen before going outdoors.
  • Choose makeup that is water-based, mineral-based or hypoallergenic. Remove it completely before going to bed.
  • Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid foods that may trigger acne for you, such as dairy, sugar or spicy foods.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
  • Manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises. Get enough sleep and exercise regularly to boost your mood and immune system.
  • Consult your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions or take any medications that may affect your acne. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe alternative treatments.

What is the outlook for acne?

Acne is a chronic condition that can recur throughout your life. However, with proper treatment and prevention, you can control your acne and improve your skin appearance and quality of life. Most people see significant improvement in their acne after puberty, but some may continue to experience acne into adulthood.

Acne can cause physical and emotional complications, such as pain, infection, scarring, pigmentation, low self-esteem and depression. If you have severe or persistent acne that affects your well-being, you should seek professional help from a dermatologist or a mental health provider. They can offer you effective treatments and support to cope with your acne.

Sources

Source: Conv
(1) Acne – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047.
(2) Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment & Prevention – Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne.
(3) Acne: Treatment, Types, Causes, Prevention, and More – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/acne.

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