Acne and treatment

WHAT IS ACNE?

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples/acne.

WHAT CAUSES ACNE?

Acne occurs when the pores on your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. Each pore on your skin is the opening to a follicle. The follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland. Acne can be caused by one or more problems in this lubrication process.

ACNE TYPES —

You may hear the term 'breakout' used to describe all forms of acne, but this is not always an accurate description. 

Identifying which type of acne you are experiencing is key to successful treatment. Acne may be non-inflammatory or inflammatory. Subtypes of acne within these two categories include:

blackheads

whiteheads

papules

pustules

nodules

cysts

It is possible to have multiple types of acne at once; some cases may even be severe enough to warrant a visit to the dermatologist.

TREATMENT OF ACNE —

Treatment for acne depends on how severe it is. It can take several months before acne symptoms improve.

MILD ACNE (BLACKHEADS/WHITEHEADS)

Local antibiotics or gels prescribed by dermatologist will improve the breakouts.

MODERATE ACNE (PAPULES/PUSTULES) 

You must see a dermatologist and follow the advice. Here with medication of local and systemic we also advise the basic range of cosmo-dermatogolical procedures, like micro derma abrasion, chemical peeling etc.

SEVERE ACNE (NONFUEL, CYST) 

This category is the modular acne, cystic acne; therefore long term systemic treatment is required.

Hence these type of acne leads to leave pitted scars on the face. So cosmo-dermatological treatments are also needed (e.g. meso therapy, chemical peel, laser, or combination treatments).

ADVICE

Although acne treatment is mandatory, skin hygiene is also important:

Cleaning with proper face wash/ soap

Toner to clean the debris

Moisture with oil free lotion

Sunscreen to protect the skin from skin sensitivity

By Dr Sharmina Huq

Consultant dermatologist, VLCC Health Care (Bangladesh) Limited.