Acne is a common skin condition caused by clogged hair follicles beneath the skin. Sebum (an oil that prevents the skin from drying out) and dead skin cells tend to clog pores which cause lesions known as pimples or zits.
The outbreaks usually show up on the face, but they can also show up on a person’s back, chest and shoulders.
Acne causes several types of lesions or pimples. Doctors refer to enlarged or clogged hair follicles as comedones.
Types of acne include:
Clogged hair follicles that form a white bump and remain beneath the skin.
Clogged follicles that open when they reach the skin’s surface causing black discolouration due to exposure to the air and not from dirt.
Lesions that are inflamed and can be tender to the touch. They typically appear as small, pink bumps on the skin.
Pus-filled lesions that are white or yellow and may be red at the base.
Large, bothersome, solid lesions that are buried deep in the skin.
Also known as severe nodular acne, these lesions are deep, painful and pus-filled.
Acne is a hormonal condition caused mainly by androgen hormones. It typically becomes active during a person’s teenage and young adult years. Sensitivity to these hormones, surface skin bacteria, fatty acids in oil glands and other factors can cause acne.
Acne can be caused by or exacerbated by the following:
Picking at an acne scar
Tight clothing, and headgear like hats and sports helmets
Changes in hormone levels around a woman's period cycle
Stress, which can raise the hormone cortisol
Certain types of medications
Genetics
Pollution in the air and specific weather conditions, particularly high humidity
Personal care products such as heavy lotions, creams or hair pomades and waxes that cause the skin to be oily or greasy.
The most common areas to experience breakouts are:
Face and neck
Chest
Shoulders
Back
Face and neck
Chest
Shoulders
Back
Those with acne might also experience:
There are numerous types of topical medications, including pads, gels, lotions, creams and soaps. Topical medications may result in adverse effects such as redness, irritation, or burning of the skin for some individuals. It is best to consult your dermatologist if you are experiencing any side effects.
Some people may require additional treatments for severe acne that does not respond to oral or topical medications, such as:
The treatment of the skin requires a gentle touch. Our dermatologists at SKINCENTRIC located in Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) have many years of treating various types of skin conditions. They can give you a detailed explanation of your skin condition and what treatments suit you best.
