Acne

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What is it?

Acne: Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin, usually seen in people with oily skin

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin which occurs when the oil glands of the skin become plugged. Acne breakouts commonly take place around puberty; however, they are nothing to worry about. Sometimes, acne may even leave behind scars which can lighten over time but usually, these scars do not go away completely. It is more common in people with oily skin. Acne occurs in adolescents and young adults. In acne there are blackheads (the plugs found in blocked-off oil glands), whiteheads (pimples), or red bumps on the face, neck, and shoulders.

What are the causes?

Acne: Acne usually occurs due to the consumption of oily food

Acne is due to over activity and plugging of the oil glands. The main underlying cause of acne is increased levels of hormones during adolescence. Acne is not caused by diet. A person who has acne does not have to avoid eating fried foods, chocolates, or any other food.Acne is not caused by sexual activity. It is not caused by dirt nor by not washing the face often enough. The tops of blackheads are black because of the chemical reaction of the oil plug with the air. Acne usually lasts until the age of 20 or sometimes 25. It is rare for acne to leave any scars, and people worry needlessly about this.

What are the types?

Acne: Acne is of four types

Acne can be classified into four main types: purely comedonal i.e. non-inflammatory acne; mild papular; scarring papular and nodular or scarring acne. Comedonal acne: It is the non-inflammatory acne, which is the mildest form of disease but can be the hardest to treat. Comedones are usually firmly seated in the follicle.Inflammatory acne: It is the mild papulopustular acne, which rarely results in scarring and typically is responsive to aggressive, twice daily, topical treatment.

What is the treatment?

Good skin care can keep acne under control and at a mild level. Wash the skin twice a day using a mild soap, especially after exercise. Avoid scrubbing the skin. Hard scrubbing of the skin is harmful because it irritates the openings of the oil glands and can cause them to be more tightly closed. Avoid putting any oily or greasy substances on the face. Oily and greasy substances make acne worse by blocking oil glands. If unavoidable, use water-based cover-up cosmetics, and wash them off at bedtime. Shampoo the hair daily. Avoid hair tonics or hair creams especially greasy ones. These substances spread to the face and aggravate the acne. Avoid picking blackheads as this delays healing. In general, it is better not to "pop" pimples. Exercise regularly and keep fit. Don't stop the acne medicine too soon. It may take up to 8 weeks for a good response.

DoctorNDTV Team