Acne

What is Acne?

Acne is a prevalent skin issue, commonly manifesting in regions abundant with sebaceous (oil) glands, including the face, neck, chest, upper back, and shoulders. These glands are connected to hair follicles. Unlike the sweat glands' openings, other pores in the skin typically remain unaffected. Although teenagers and young adults are more commonly afflicted, acne can also impact older individuals. Factors like fluctuating hormone levels, pregnancy, stress, and specific medications are known triggers for acne.

Symptoms of acne

Acne commonly emerges on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders due to the high concentration of sebaceous (oil) glands in these areas. The connection between hair follicles and oil glands can lead to pore blockages, resulting in the following manifestations:

  • Blackheads: These occur when a clog, open to the skin surface, darkens, forming what is commonly known as a "blackhead." Despite their appearance resembling dirt in pores, it's the combination of bacteria and oil within the pores that, upon exposure to air, takes on a brown hue.

  • Cyst-like lumps: Deep blockages and inflammation within hair follicles can give rise to lumps beneath the skin's surface.

  • Pimples: Inflamed or bacteria-infected hair follicles, caused by pore blockages, can lead to the development of raised red spots with a white center.

  • Whiteheads: Follicle walls bulge with sebum (oil), creating a "whitehead."

What causes acne?

Diet: Acne may be exacerbated by certain foods, including skim milk and carbohydrate-rich items like bread, bagels, and chips. There's also a belief that chocolate consumption can contribute to increased acne.

Environment: Acne may worsen in oily environments, such as kitchens with frying equipment, where airborne oil can adhere to the skin and block pores.

Hormones: Changes in hormone levels, whether due to pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives, can lead to heightened sebum (oil) production.

Some medications: Medications containing corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium can stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands, making them more active.

Stress: While not fully understood, stress is also considered a potential factor in the development or exacerbation of acne.

How can acne be treated?

Acne treatments and medications aim to:

  • Combat bacterial infections

  • Alleviate inflammation to minimize and prevent scarring

  • Diminish oil production by sebaceous glands

  • Accelerate skin renewal through enhanced cell turnover

Successfully managing acne necessitates commitment to the prescribed treatment regimen. For instance, a treatment plan may advise cleansing and applying medications to affected areas twice daily for several weeks. It's essential to diligently remove makeup on a regular basis. Visible results may not manifest until 4 to 8 weeks into the treatment, and there's a possibility that the skin may initially appear worse before showing improvement. In some instances, it might take several months or even years for acne to completely resolve.