ACNE

Overview
Acne is a long-term skin disease that occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog hair follicles.
Although acne isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can be painful, particularly when it’s severe. It can also cause emotional distress.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch.

DefinitionAcne is a common skin condition where the pores of your skin become blocked by hair, sebum (an oily substance), bacteria and dead skin cells.

What Causes Acne?
Acne is triggered by the following different factors.

• Hormones
• StressCertain
• medications
• Poor hygiene
• Wrong skin care products
• Sun
• Unhealthy Diet
• Genetics

Forms of acne
Acne can take several forms. They include:

Blackheads: Open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. They look as if dirt has deposited in the bump, but the dark spots are actually caused by an irregular light reflection off the clogged follicle.

Whiteheads: Bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin.

Papules: Small red or pink bumps that become inflamed.

Pustules: Pimples containing pus. They look like whiteheads surrounded by red rings. They can cause scarring if picked or scratched.

Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis): This type occurs when an excess of yeast develops in the hair follicles. They can become itchy and inflamed.

Nodules: Solid pimples that are deep in your skin. They are large and painful.

Cysts: Pus-filled pimples. These can cause scars.

All of these forms of acne can affect your self-esteem. It’s best to seek help from your healthcare provider early so they can help determine the best treatment option(s) for you.

What are common Symptoms of acne?
Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders. It may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks. Skin changes include:

Crusting of skin bumps

Cysts

Papules (small red bumps)

Pustules (small red bumps containing white or yellow pus)

Redness around the skin eruptions

Scarring of the skin

Whiteheads

Blackheads

How to Manage Acne
SELF-CARE
Steps you can take to help your acne: 

Clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying soap.

Look for water-based or “noncomedogenic” formulas for cosmetics and skin creams.

Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising.

Avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing.

Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily.

Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.

What NOT to do:

Try not to aggressively squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. This can lead to skin infections, slower healing, and scarring.

Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats.

Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.

Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams.

DO NOT leave make-up on overnight.

Ask your doctor about prescription-strength medications. A dermatologist can help you.

Complications of Acne
Skin changes
Presence of scar

References
Aslam I, Fleischer A, Feldman S (March 2015). “Emerging drugs for the treatment of acne”. Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs (Review). 20 (1): 91–101.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279211/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003238.htm
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003237.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279211/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279211/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279211/
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/acne
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/acne
https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/acne#
AskMayoExpert. Acne. Mayo Clinic; 2019.