Acne – Acne Vulgaris
Acne (inflammatory skin lesions, blackheads) is the most common disorder of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, occurring from infancy through old age. These glands produce sebum, which moisturizes the skin and protects it from environmental factors. The secretions produced by the glands enter the hair follicle (hair bulb). If more secretion is produced than necessary, dead skin cells clump together, and a plug forms at the opening of the duct leading from the sebaceous glands. The hair follicle begins to swell—it rises above the surface of the skin. A hemispherical nodule (a so-called closed comedone) forms—a white pimple no larger than a pinhead. When air enters the pore, the sebaceous plug oxidizes and turns black. This is another type of acne: blackheads, or open comedones.
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Sebaceous plugs provide a favorable environment for bacterial growth, which increases the likelihood of acne inflammation. Acne lesions appear as cone-shaped red papules with an abscess at the tip. Inflamed acne lesions cause discomfort. People tend to touch and scratch them, which is absolutely not recommended.
Popping pimples does not solve the problem, because the underlying cause has not been identified or eliminated. Consequently, pus-filled lesions will keep reappearing.
Blackheads and pimples can affect the skin on the face, chest, and back. Acne usually appears during puberty, but it can also become chronic. Acne can manifest in varying degrees of severity. In severe forms, acne is accompanied by the formation of nodules and cysts under the skin. Such lesions leave unsightly scars.
Causes of acne
Hormonal changes play an important role in the development of acne. Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) stimulate excessive sebum production. This is why acne is more common in men than in women. However, during puberty, girls may also suffer from this condition, as their levels of male hormones also rise. The worsening of acne is also linked to hormonal changes as menstruation approaches.
Acne in older adults may indicate endocrine problems. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as the sebaceous glands’ sensitivity to androgens and the narrowness of their ducts can be inherited. Factors contributing to the development of acne include:
- Inappropriate choice of cosmetics. Certain substances used in the cosmetics industry can clog pores (so-called comedogenic substances): lanolin, squalene, sulfur;
- Hormonal medications (oral contraceptives); certain other medications—steroids, antibiotics, antidepressants, tranquilizers, lithium-containing medications;
- Stress;
- Skin contamination (e.g., oil, resins);
- Dry skin. Washing too often can make the situation worse, as the skin becomes too dry;
- Pressure on the skin (e.g., from a telephone receiver);
- In some cases, certain foods may act as triggers. Most commonly, these include chocolate, carbonated beverages, nuts, and coffee.
Prevention of acne
Since hormonal changes are the main cause of acne, there is no guaranteed way to prevent acne in teenagers. However, if you follow these guidelines at the first signs of acne, you can minimize the symptoms:
- Do not squeeze pimples or blackheads;
- Wipe the affected area of skin with an alcohol solution;
- Your diet should exclude chocolate, canned foods, and fatty foods;
- If possible, rinse with warm water. Use bath soap for personal hygiene;
- Light exercise and spending at least 1–2 hours a day outdoors are beneficial. However, take a shower immediately after exercising, as sweat can worsen skin conditions. If you expect to sweat, you should also apply as little makeup as possible;
- A healthy diet and sufficient sleep (at least seven hours a day) can help reduce the effects of stress.
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Treatment of acne
Acne can cause significant psychological distress. Additionally, self-treatment of acne can lead to scarring and discoloration, especially if you try to remove blackheads or pimples that appear on their own. Therefore, it is best to consult a qualified dermatologist.
Aggressive acne treatment is aimed at addressing the following issues:
- Preventing the formation of new lesions (comedones);
- Normalizing sebaceous gland secretion;
- Eliminating existing comedones;
- Inhibition of bacterial growth and inflammation.
Treatment of acne
For acne treatment, please visit a clinic staffed by experienced dermatologists that offers a personalized approach tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient’s skin.
Acne treatment at the clinic includes:
- Modern methods of caring for problem skin;
- Chemical peels;
- Laser procedures;
- Topical therapy;
- Systemic therapy.
Thus, it is clear that acne can be a standalone condition caused, for example, by improper care (usually mild acne). However, in many cases, acne is a symptom of some underlying health disorder. Therefore, symptomatic treatment with topical agents may lead to temporary improvement but often does not produce lasting results, as it does not address the root cause of the condition. As a result, the acne becomes more severe.
Nevertheless, if you have delayed seeing a dermatologist and scars have formed after the acne, they can be removed using a laser or complex cosmetic procedures.
Always see a doctor if you are over 25 and have developed acne.
