When talking about acne, people think about teens and puberty. However, it is an issue that affects other ages too and can create a significant impact on patients’ lives since it is associated with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
What is acne?
Acne is a typical skin eruption that occurs when the hair follicles, or pores, get blocked by dead skin cells, oil, dirt or other particles. When pores get blocked, they form a small red bump on the skin.
There are different types of acne. Mild acne is mostly whiteheads and blackheads, moderate acne includes pimples, and severe acne usually consists of cysts and nodules.
Causes of acne
The causes of acne are not entirely understood, but some factors contribute to its formation. For example, sebum is a greasy substance produced by skin glands to help maintain the skin hydrated. When there is too much of it, the pores can get clogged, generating a white or blackhead. Furthermore, the skin usually is covered in bacteria; it is part of its normal flora, but when it overgrows, it produces inflammation and creates what we know as a pimple.
Another thing to keep an eye on is poor skin hygiene and the use of products like creams and makeup that can block pores because of their composition. Lastly, a diet with too many fatty products and dairy has demonstrated a correlation with acne.
Symptoms
Acne mainly causes skin manifestations, commonly known as blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples with a lot of redness and tenderness of the skin. They can appear in any part of the body, like the chest, shoulders, and back, but it usually manifests in the face, especially the “T zone” which is an area that includes the forehead and the nose.
Besides these typical lesions, acne is known for creating social and psychological damage in the people who have it because of the changes in their face and skin. Some people may argue that this is the most worrying aspect of this condition, especially at an age so vulnerable like teenagers.
Treatment
Depending on the severity and location of the acne, the treatment may vary. If it’s mild acne, then topical treatment with special soaps and creams with salicylic acid is enough. In moderate to severe acne, the use of antibiotics may be required to help disinfect the skin from the bacteria. Sometimes, women may be advised to take hormones since they are responsible for some of the serum production.
However, when it’s the case of more severe or challenging to treat acne, there are special oral treatments such as with vitamin A derivatives that can be a bit harsh but necessary in some patients.
Whatever the case, mild, moderate, or severe acne, you should always receive proper guidance from a professional. At VirtualMD, a doctor can help you know which steps to follow or if you need an appointment.
If you have questions regarding acne, don’t hesitate to call us free at 1-800-594-0537, and a doctor will be there to help you. We are able to fax a prescription to your pharmacy of choice if required.