Acne affects millions around the world. It is common skin condition, particularly affecting adolescence. That is the age which is also conscious about their looks, and so acne has an impact on their confidence and self-esteem. Let’s learn what is this condition – the basics are covered here, and we will talk about it in detail in another post.
What are Acne?
Acne is the medical term for pimples. Pimples happen when pores get clogged with dead skin and oil, and bacteria build up. Then, the skin can get inflamed or swell.
Is there anything I can do about acne?
Yes. Taking good care of your skin can help with your acne. Here’s what you should do:
- Wash your face no more than twice a day. Use warm, not hot, water. Do not use harsh soaps. Instead, use a gentle non-soap facial skin cleanser. Do not scrub your face, because that can make acne worse and damage the skin.
- Do not pick or squeeze pimples. This can make acne worse and damage the skin. It can also lead to infection.
- Avoid oil-based makeup and skin products. They can make acne worse. If you use a moisturizer for your face, a moisturizer labeled as “non-comedogenic” is often best.
Can I manage my acne at home myself?
If you have mild acne, you can try non-prescription acne products. These include products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene, or other acne treatments. In rare cases, people have a severe allergic reaction to products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, so for the first 3 days, try them on just a small area. If your acne does not improve after 3 months, or if you have moderate or severe acne, ask your doctor or nurse for advice.
What is the treatment of acne?
Doctors can treat acne using different types of medicines. Sometimes, doctors suggest trying more than one medicine at once. There is no one medicine or combination of medicines that works best for everyone. Instead, people often need to try different medicines until they find what works best for them.
Some acne medicines require a prescription, while others do not. Your doctor might suggest:
- Medicines applied on skin – These can be gels, creams, or lotions. There are different types. Some examples are:
- Retinoids – These help keep your pores unclogged. Examples of retinoids include tretinoin (sample brand names: Retin-A, Altreno), adapalene (brand name: Differin), and tazarotene (sample brand names: Tazorac, Fabior, Arazlo). Adapalene can be bought without a prescription. Retinoids can also help improve dark spots on the skin caused by acne.
- Benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics – These treat acne by killing the bacteria inside pimples. They also help bring down inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide is available without a prescription. Other antibiotics require a prescription. Examples include clindamycin, minocycline, and erythromycin.
- Dapsone gel – This might help acne by reducing bacteria and inflammation. However, experts do not know exactly how it works.
- Clascoterone cream – This probably works by blocking a hormone in the skin that can make acne worse.
- Medicines taken orally as a pill – These include:
- Antibiotics – These work for the same reasons antibiotic gels or lotions work. But they tend to be stronger and can cause unpleasant side effects.
- Birth control pills or spironolactone – Some of the skin reactions that lead to acne are controlled by hormones. For this reason, birth control pills can sometimes help with acne. Spironolactone is another medicine that can block hormones that can make acne worse. One of these medicines might be an option for women or teen girls with acne.
- Isotretinoin – This is a retinoid that comes in pill form. It is very effective against severe acne. But it can also cause serious side effects and problems for a developing baby. People who could get pregnant must follow very strict safety rules to prevent pregnancy if they take isotretinoin.
- Other treatments – Examples of other types of treatments that might help some people with acne include chemical peels and special light or laser treatments. People who get these treatments often also need to use other acne treatments.
Will my diet affect my acne?
Some studies have found that acne seems to be more common in people who drink a lot of milk. But more research is needed to understand the link between the types of foods people eat and acne.
What if I want to get pregnant?
Many of the medicines used to treat acne are not safe to take during pregnancy. If you want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant.
In Summary
Acne can be a cosmetic problem for young people. There are many treatment options. Talk to your doctor if youare trying for pregnancy as there are some treatment that need to held as they have some side effects on baby growth and development.