Acne: Types, Prevention and Treatment

Acne is a common skin condition caused mainly by clogged pores, inflammation of oil glands or increased presence of pimples causing bacteria. This post primarily focuses on the causes, prevention, treatment and types of acne.

Though acne is more common in adolescents and young adults, it can affect various age groups. Acne is a condition and pimples are one of the symptoms of acne.

woman with acne

Types of acne

Based  on its severity, acne is divided into

  • Mild /Moderate/ Pustular acne
  • Moderately severe /Nodulocystic acne
  • Severe nodulocystic acne
types of acne flowchart

Symptoms of acne

Acne is commonly seen on the face, forehead, chest, shoulder, upper back etc. Acne symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules/pimples, cysts or nodules.  

symptoms of acne- blackhead , whitehead, papule, pustule, cyst, nodule

What causes acne?

Acne is caused due to the following reasons

  • Clogged pores or hair follicles
  • Excess sebum production
  • Excessive pimples causing bacteria  on skin(Eg. Cutibacterium acnes)
  • Dead skin cells (clog pores and hair follicles and lead to inflammation)

Acne triggers

  • Hormonal changes that make the skin oily (puberty, pregnancy, stress etc.)
  • Certain drugs (steroids, birth control pills, phenytoin, lithium etc.)
  • Certain IUD devices (intrauterine device)
  • Heavy sweating and humidity
  • Excessive physical damage to skin (rubbing, scratching, using harsh chemicals)
  • Diet rich in refined sugars and dairy products
  • Using oil based cosmetics and skin care products
  • Genetic factors
  • Insulin resistance

Preventing acne

Tips to prevent acne

  • Wash your face with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day.
  • Use water based or non-comedogenic formula based skin care products and cosmetics.
  • Remove makeup before going to bed.
  • Remove sweat and dirt from your face after exercising.
  • Tie your hair to keep it away from your face
  • Do not scratch, pop or rub acne as it may lead to scarring and infection.
  • Avoid wearing tight dresses, hair bands, caps, hats etc.
  • Shampoo your hair regularly to keep your scalp clean.
  • Avoid greasy cosmetic and skin care products.
  • Avoid touching, scratching  or rubbing your face with nails and hands

How is acne treated?

Mild acne may respond to home remedies and OTC (over the counter) medications. Severe and long-term acne needs an intervention from a doctor or dermatologist. It is preferable to take advice from a doctor regarding acne treatment in order to understand the acne type, its triggers, severity and prevention.

Treating mild acne

  • Topical retinoids (Vitamin A) derivatives
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Topical clindamycin
  • Topical erythromycin
  • Azelaic acid
  • Topical salicylic acid

Treating moderate to severe acne

  • Oral isotretinoin
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Oral hormonal therapies (birth control pills, hormones)
  • Spironolactone
  • Low dose prednisone

Other drugs

  • Sulphur 
  • Resorcinol
  • Dapsone 

Other procedures for acne treatment

  • Lasers or light therapy
  • Chemical peels
  • Scar removal therapy
  • Steroid injection (cortisone) in cyst

Treating acne during pregnancy

Certain drugs used in the treatment of acne are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the serious birth defects and other side effects. Consult a doctor before taking any medications for acne to ensure that the medication is safe.

Written by Auxi Arobana. R

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