Acne: Types, Causes, Treatments & Prevention

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Introduction

It is termed a common skin condition because hair follicles block oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. These blockages lead to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules.

They primarily appear on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands produce extra amounts of oil, which combine with debris to block hair follicles.

The clogged follicles can become inflamed or infected, and this can result in the appearance of various types of blemishes. Acne is most closely associated with the age of adolescence due to hormonal changes, but it is possible at any age. Other contributing factors for acne development and severity include genetics, diet, stress, and certain medications.

What are the types of acne?

Acne is able to take on several forms, minor to serious, depending upon the kinds of lesions that appear. The main forms that take place for acne lesions include:

Comedones: These are the foundational bricks of acne, occurring when the pores that house hair become obstructed with oil and dead skin cells. They come in two forms:
Blackheads: Also known as open comedones, where the trapped substance oxidizes and it gives the impression of black coloration at the surface.
Whiteheads: Closed comedones in which the clogged material stays underneath the skin’s surface and presents as minute, flesh-colored bumps.
Pimples (Papules): Small, red, raised bumps on the skin that occur when a follicle becomes inflamed but not yet infected. They are usually tender to the touch.
Pustules: The same as above, but they have a white or yellowish center filled with pus. They result from the infection that is deep inside the follicle and are more painful.
Nodules: These are large, solid bumps of varying size and are very painful. They occur when the follicle is severely occluded with inflammation deep into the skin, and this is harder to treat. They can lead to scarring if the condition is not managed appropriately.
Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps are the most severe form of acne. Because cystic acne is a form of inflammatory acne, it can cause serious scarring unless treated promptly and effectively. Cysts occur due to rupturing deep within the skin, where a large, painful lesion ensues.

Cause of Acne

Acne is majorly caused by a combination of factors leading to inflammation and clogging pores. They include:

Excessive oil production: Overproduction of the sebaceous glands causes too much sebum that can clog the hair follicle.
Dead skin cells: Dead skin cells mix with oil when the shedding of skin cells is not effective; hence pores get blocked.
Bacteria: The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) may infect blocked pores, causing inflammation.
Hormonal changes: Hormones, particularly androgens during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, stimulate the production of oil.
Genetics: Having close relatives with a history of acne increases the risk.
Diet and stress: Not exactly causes, but certain types of food (high-glycemic or dairy) and stress may even trigger or worsen acne.

What are the symptoms of acne?

The symptoms of acne vary by the type and severity but can broadly include:

Pimples: red, inflamed bumps on the skin which often contain pus-filled white or yellow center.
Blackheads: Small, dark spots on the skin resulting from clogged pores.
Whiteheads: Small, flesh-colored or white colored small bumps formed due to the blockage of pores under the skin.
Cysts: Large, painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin that can cause scarring.
Nodules: Hard, painful lumps that are under the skin and swollen or inflamed.
Scarring: Severe breakouts may leave permanent marks or scars on the skin.

Who does acne affect?

Acne mainly affects teenagers and young adults, and nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience acne. This is mainly because of hormonal activity at puberty, causing the glands to produce more oil in the skin. However, acne can be found at every age of life, even in adults. Many adults, especially women between the ages of 20 and 40, have it, often caused by hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or under stress.

Other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, and skin type, can also contribute to determining who is more prone to developing acne. While more common in individuals with oily skin, acne is not only confined to those individuals-therefore, everyone can be vulnerable, regardless of skin type.

What are the risk factors for developing acne?

Several factors can increase the risk of developing acne, including:

Hormonal variations: Puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome can stimulate an increase in sebum production.
Genetic predisposition: If your family members are afflicted with acne, your chances are higher.
Overproduction of oil: Oily skin blocks pores, one of the primary causes of acne.
Diet: Consuming high sugar diets; dairy; or what most persons refer to as junk food can, to varying degrees make acne worse.
Stress: These may trigger hormonal changes, which will again amplify the situation.
Medications: In addition, some drugs that contain corticosteroids, birth control pills or other hormonal-based medications can cause acne.
Cosmetic products: Some types of hair or skincare products can contribute to acne, notably the oil-based ones, as they clog pores.

Environmental: Acne is also encouraged by environmental factors – such as humidity, air pollution, or touching the face repeatedly

Treatments of Acne

There are several treatments available for managing acne, depending on the severity and type. These include:

1. Topical Treatments:

Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Salicylic Acid: Helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.
Retinoids (e.g., tretinoin): Speed up skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
Antibiotics (topical): Reduce bacteria and inflammation, often in combination with other treatments (e.g., clindamycin or erythromycin).
Azelaic Acid: Helps reduce inflammation, clear pores, and treat pigmentation issues.

2. Pills

Oral Antibiotics: For moderate to severe acne, oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or tetracycline, reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Oral Contraceptives: For women, birth control pills can help control hormone fluctuations that contribute to acne
Isotretinoin (Accutane): A powerful, oral-only medication for severe acne that would not respond to other treatments. They prevent clogged pores by reducing oil production

3. Other Therapies

Chemical Peels: An acid-based treatment applied to the skin to exfoliate and remove clogged pores.
Laser Therapy: Kills acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation.
Light Therapy (e.g., Blue light): Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Extraction: Dermatologists may manually extract blackheads and whiteheads in a way that prevents subsequent breakouts.

4. Home Remedies:

Tea Tree Oil: Provides antibacterial action and decreases inflammation
Aloe Vera: Has a soothing effect on the skin, decreasing redness or irritation.

5. Lifestyle Changes

Proper skincare : Gentle cleansing twice a day without scrubbing the skin.
Diet: Avoiding high-glycemic foods (sugar and white bread) and dairy products may help in certain cases.
Stress management: Relaxation techniques, exercise, or hobbies.

Prevention of acne

Rungta Hospital is committed to helping individuals effectively manage and treat acne by providing personalized care and advanced dermatological solutions. Understanding the types and causes of acne is crucial for choosing the right treatment and implementing preventive measures to maintain clear and healthy skin.

With expert dermatologists, cutting-edge treatments, and a patient-focused approach, Rungta Hospital ensures comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether through lifestyle recommendations, medical therapies, or innovative procedures, the hospital empowers patients to regain confidence and take control of their skin health.