Acne or more commonly known as pimples is a disease of the skin. It is multifactorial in nature and mostly affects the teens. People in their 20s or 30s may also get acne.
​
There are multiple theories and studies available which describes the causes of acne. Most of the times it develops during puberty, when there are hormonal changes taking place inside the body. These hormonal changes generally begin at the age of 12 years. To an extent food and diet acts as a trigger for acne. Lot of junk food, oily and fatty meals, unhealthy lifestyle activates it.
​
What is acne?
​
Acne is a multifactorial disease. It involves the interplay of factors like sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinisation, inflammation and colonization of a bacteria named as Propionibacterium acnes. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands and during puberty formation of sebum exceeds the normal. This excessive sebum is expelled out through pores present on the skin. With this sebum there is keratin also. Excess of sebum and keratin block the pores present on the skin which leads to inflammation. Because of blockage Propionibacterium acnes proliferate on sebum which further leads to puss formation. Most of the times acne is observed on face, but it can also be present on chest, shoulders and in exceptional cases on other parts of the body. It starts from blackheads and whiteheads, if untreated may lead to papules and pustules. In severe cases these papules and pustules are converted to nodules and cysts.
​
What is the treatment for acne?
​
Initially acne affects the face of a person which is an important element of a person’s identity that’s why treating acne becomes a priority. Treatment involves multiple topical and oral medications. Topical creams like clindamycin, tretinoin, adapalene and oral antibiotics like azithromycin, doxycycline and lymecycline are prescribed. Other agents which are prescribed face wash, moisturizers and sunscreens.
​
In females the cause of acne can be hormonal imbalance. In such cases diagnostic tests are performed to determine the level of hormones in the body. In case of hormonal imbalance, in addition to the drugs and products mentioned above doctors can prescribe other drugs also which will help to normalize the hormonal imbalance.
​
After the acne gets cleared, a dark spot is left behind. This dark spot is because of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To remove these dark spots, doctors can prescribe skin lightening creams containing ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, resorcinol, etc.?
​
Acne treatment is a long-term process. Do not expect the results in a few days. Patients should follow the treatment prescribed by their doctor. If patients face any problem or side effect because of the treatment then they should immediately consult their doctor. Patients should avoid home remedies for acne treatment and at the same time should not follow the prescription of another patient. Chances are there that these practices may worsen the condition. In addition to treatment, patients should have nutritious and healthy diet, follow proper hygienic conditions and regular exercise. Maintaining healthy lifestyle is the key to the good health.
​
Treatment for all:
-
Teenage acne
-
Adult acne
-
Hormonal acne (pcos , pcod)
-
Pregnancy acne
-
Whiteheads and black heads
-
Open pores
-
Oily skin
-
Pustular and nodular acne
-
Acne spots
-
Acne scars
-
Old acne scars
-
Back acne
-
Butt acne
​
​
​
​