What is Acne?

압구정피부과 Acne is a common skin condition that usually occurs during puberty. But it can occur at any age, and some people have it into their 40s.

압구정피부과

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked. This causes swelled bumps called pimples. These pimples may contain pus or oil. Some types of acne are more severe and can lead to scarring.

Causes

Acne is a skin condition that causes spots and pimples. It happens when hair follicles and oil glands get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This leads to inflammation. It is most common in teenagers and young adults going through hormonal changes, but it can occur at any age. It can be painful, and it can leave scars.

Different kinds of acne include blackheads (open comedones), whiteheads, papules, pustules, and cysts. They usually show up on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Acne can be caused by many things, including genetics, the menstrual cycle, hormones, stress, greasy or oily skin care products, and tight-fitting clothing. It can also be a side effect of some medications, such as steroids or anticonvulsants.

Having family members with acne can make you more likely to have it yourself. It can also appear at any age, but it is most common in teens and those who are assigned female at birth. It usually occurs around puberty, when the male sex hormone androgens increase in both boys and girls. This stimulates the oil glands to produce more sebum, and the excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and becomes a plug, or comedone. This paves the way for inflammation, which is what causes the appearance of acne lesions, bumps and blemishes.

Symptoms압구정피부과

Acne occurs when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. This causes the hair follicles to swell and create pimples. Pimples can be blackheads, whiteheads or pus-filled bumps called cysts. Acne is most common on the face, neck, chest and shoulders because these areas have the most oil glands (sebaceous glands). Acne usually starts in puberty, but can continue into adulthood and cause permanent scarring.

Blackheads are the most common type of acne. They appear as small, black, oxidized bumps on the skin. They form when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, which mixes with dead skin and then clogs the hair follicle. A bacterium that commonly lives on the skin (Camillabacterium acnes) may grow in the clogged follicle and cause inflammation. Whiteheads are closed comedones that look like a plugged blackhead, but with a whitish or yellowish point at the top. They can also form when a pore becomes infected with bacteria, and they are sometimes mistaken for blackheads.

Pustules are inflamed, painful lesions that have a red or discolored base and a whitish or yellow center. They form when a pore fills with excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells and then ruptures. Pustules usually contain pus, which gives them the name “pimple.” Nodules are large, inflamed and firm to the touch. They develop deep within the skin and can be very painful. They can be a sign of serious acne and should be treated by a doctor to reduce the risk of scarring.

Treatments

Acne treatment can be used to reduce the appearance of spots, heal existing ones, and prevent scarring. It’s important to start treatment early, before the spots get too big and inflamed. If you’re having trouble finding a treatment that works for you, talk to your doctor. They can examine your skin and discuss your options. They’ll want to know any other conditions you have, and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you use.

Your doctor might recommend a cleanser for acne-prone skin, or a mild topical treatment such as benzoyl peroxide (to kill bacteria and decrease oil), resorcinol (to break down blackheads), or retinoids (to help remove dead cells and prevent blockages). Topical treatments may cause irritated or dry skin as a side effect.

Oral antibiotics are commonly used to treat moderate to severe acne. They help decrease bacteria and inflammation in your skin, and can be taken for a month or longer before you see an improvement. Your doctor might also prescribe azelaic acid, which helps to remove excess oil from the skin and reduce inflammation. It can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so you’ll need to apply sunscreen more often.

Your doctor might recommend a powerful medication called isotretinoin (also known as Accutane). It’s usually the last resort for people with severe acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments, but it can really work for some people.

Prevention

Acne is caused by clogged hair follicles that produce sebum. This causes a buildup that leads to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples (zits). It usually begins during puberty due to hormonal changes. If not treated properly, acne can cause scars that last a lifetime.

Prevention of acne includes keeping skin clean and dry to prevent clogging of pores. Washing skin twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser helps. Washing should also occur after sweating or working hard, as well as after wearing makeup or using face and body lotions. Choosing skin care products that are labeled as non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic is another way to prevent breakouts. It is important to avoid over-washing, which can lead to a loss of natural oils and irritate the skin.

Avoid squeezing, picking or scratching at pimples as this can worsen the condition and lead to infection and scarring. It is also best to use a moisturizer specifically made for the face as lotions designed for the body can clog the pores.

Diet and stress can also contribute to the development of acne, so avoiding foods that are known triggers and relaxing often may help. Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated is also beneficial. It is important to stick with one treatment method that is successful as trying too many can actually make the acne worse.