Acne Problems - Know Everything About It!

Acne is one of the main problems teenagers and young adolescents have to face in their day to day lives. It is not just an esthetic issue but also a psychological one as the condition can really affect the people emotionally. The main cause for this is the hormonal changes that occur with teenage but also the changing food habits that set in at this age. The oily skin of some people makes it conducive for developing acne, than in people with normal or dry skin.

Types: They can be classified based on severity and type of lesion

1. Based on severity, they can be mild, moderate, and severe.
2. Based on the type of lesion, they can be whiteheads, blackheads, bumps, nodular, or cystic.
3. Based on duration, they can be acute or chronic. The acute phase is more infective and can also be cystic or pustular.

Management: Acne problems can be managed in both therapeutic and preventive mode. Treatment is undertaken to address the issues in the acute phase. Preventive measures can be taken to ensure the incidence of acne is reduced.

Treatment: From a topical treatment point of view, three compounds are commonly used to treat acne.

1. Retinoids: These are vitamin A derivatives and are useful in treating both blackheads and whiteheads.
2. Benzoyl peroxide: This over-the-counter product is aimed at reducing the bacteria on the surface of the skin, which in turn reduces the acne.
3. Antibiotics: In the case of cystic or pustular acne, antibiotics can be prescribed to deal with the issue. These also can be used along with the retinoid or benzoyl peroxide for better effect.

Acne scar removal: For people with severe acne, the scars become a huge cause of concern. These can be removed by:

1. Laser: A beam of laser is used to get rid of the darker tissue on the surface as a result of acne. This reduces the bacterial concentration and sebum content in the skin, both of which lead to severe acne.
2. Photofacials: The outer layer is cooled and the inner layer is heated through a probe. This causes the production of collagen, which promotes skin regeneration and helps in getting rid of the scar tissue.

The skin may appear red and swollen for a couple of days, but will gradually improve with time.

General tips to reduce the effect of acne:

1. Reduce the use of irritants (creams, perfumes, and deodorants in the area of acne).
2. Stay away from harsh sunlight, or do so with sufficient protection.
3. Avoid oily food, which worsens the condition.
4. Drink sufficient water to keep the skin hydrated.
5. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables for better skin.
6. Use natural scrubs like fruit peels and reduce chemical use. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can ask a free question.