What is Acne? Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatment

Introduction

Acne is a prevalent skin condition that affect millions of peoples around the ground. It occurs when hair follicles under the skin become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. This causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples to develop on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.

Acne is not just a cosmetic problem. It can cause psychological stress and lower self-esteem in teenagers and young adults. However, many treatment options are available to help clear acne symptoms. With proper skin care and treatment, most people with acne can see significant improvement of their skin.

Symptoms of Acne

The main symptoms of acne include:

• Whiteheads - These are small, white bumps under the skin caused when oil and dead skin cells plug the opening of hair follicles. Whiteheads are not visible because the plug stays beneath the skin's surface.

• Blackheads - Also called open comedones, blackheads are small black or dark brown bumps caused by the same blockage as whiteheads. However, the plug is visible because it remains at the skin's surface and air causes it to darken.

• Pimples - Also known as papules, these are tender red bumps that can develop when follicles become infected or inflamed. They may or may not come to a head like whiteheads and blackheads.

• Pustules - Similar to pimples but containing pus. They appear as raised red spots with a central white or yellowish tip.

• Nodules - Deeper, firm bumps under the skin that are usually very painful. They can develop from several combined papules or pustules below the skin's surface.

• Cysts - Large, often painful bumps or lumps beneath the skin that contain pus or liquids. They are concentrations of inflammatory cells and may require treatment by a dermatologist.

Causes of Acne

The main causes of acne are:

• Hormonal changes - Acne is often triggered by hormones like testosterone and DHEA during puberty. It declines after puberty in many people but can persist due to hormones.

• Genetics - Acne tends to run in families, so genetics plays a role in determining how prone someone is to developing it.

• Dandruff of pores - Dead skin cells and oils from skin glands combine to form plugs in hair follicles. This triggers inflammation if bacteria gets trapped in blocked pores.

• Bacteria - Cutibacteria acnes bacteria inhabits many pores but overgrowth can lead to infection of clogged hair follicles and lesions.

• Stress - Stress has a physical effect on hormone levels and oil production, worsening outbreaks in some people.

• Medications - Some drugs like corticosteroids or lithium can lead to acne as a side effect.

Types of Acne

• Comedo acne - Features whiteheads and blackheads with plugged pores but no significant inflammation. It's caused by excessive sebum and dead skin cells.

• Papular acne - Characterized by red, tender papules or pimples that develop when hair follicles become inflamed.

• Pustular acne - Similar to papules but contains white or yellow pus. It stems from bacterial infection of inflamed hair follicles.

• Nodular acne - Deeper, painful nodules or cysts form beneath the skin as inflamed lesions multiply below the surface. It's considered severe acne.

• Cystic acne - Deep, painful cysts dominated by nodules and cysts concentrated in certain areas like the cheeks, chin or nose. It's the most severe form.

Preventive Measures

Some ways to help prevent acne outbreaks include:

• Washing gently twice daily with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, oil and bacteria

• Using a topical over-the-counter acne medication regularly as directed

• Changing pillowcases frequently to avoid transferring oil and bacteria while sleeping

• Avoiding popping, picking or squeezing pimples which can worsen infections

• Managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation or exercise

• Washing hands regularly to avoid spreading bacteria to your face

• Avoiding heavy cosmetics which can clog pores if not removed properly

• Drinking plenty of water for hydration and to avoid overproducing oil

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of acne but some common options include:

• Over-the-counter topical creams, gels or lotions containing benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid or other ingredients. These work to unclog pores, reduce bacteria and reduce inflammation.

• Prescription topical treatments in stronger concentrations or combinations if over-the-counter products don't work. Common options include topical antibiotics, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide.

• Oral antibiotics like doxycycline or tetracycline taken for several months. These target bacteria inside and outside pores.

• Oral contraceptives for women, which stabilize hormone levels and reduce androgens responsible for excess oil.

• Spironolactone for women, which blocks excess male hormones involved in acne development.

• Procedures like blue/red light therapy, laser resurfacing or extractions performed by a dermatologist for more severe cases.

• Managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which can help hormonal flare-ups for some. Diet has no proven link but some people find triggers.

With proper treatment, most people can significantly clear their acne over time. Seeking medical advice is important to get the right treatment plan tailored to each individual case. Acne is common but several effective therapies exist to improve confidence and quality of life.