What is acne?

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.

What are the types of acne?

Acne causes several types of lesions or pimples. Doctors refer to enlarged or clogged hair follicles as comedones.

Types of acne include:

Whiteheads

Clogged hair follicles that form a white bump and remain beneath the skin.

Blackheads

Clogged follicles that open when they reach the skin’s surface causing black discolouration due to exposure to the air and not from dirt.

Papules

Lesions that are inflamed and can be tender to the touch. They typically appear as small, pink bumps on the skin.

Pustules or pimples

Pus-filled lesions that are white or yellow and may be red at the base.

Nodules

Large, bothersome, solid lesions that are buried deep in the skin.

Cystic acne

Also known as severe nodular acne, these lesions are deep, painful and pus-filled.

What causes acne?

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.

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.

What are the symptoms of acne?

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:

Scarring or skin discolouration, including dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and redness
Swelling and inflammation
Pain and tenderness when touched or not

Frequently Asked Question

The purpose of acne treatment is to aid in the healing of existing lesions, prevent the formation of new lesions and prevent scarring. Some of the factors that lead to acne such as an abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles, high levels of sebum, bacteria and inflammation can be stopped with medication. Your doctor may suggest prescription or over-the-counter medications that can be taken orally or applied topically.

Antibiotics, usually used with other topical medications.
Vitamin A-derived retinoids, used to treat lesions and reduce inflammation. Additionally, they can aid in scarring and acne prevention.
Benzoyl peroxide, which may reduce sebum production and kill bacteria.
Salicylic acid that breaks down whiteheads and blackheads, and helps reduce cell shedding from hair follicles.

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.

Antibiotics, to slow or stop the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Other topical therapies are usually prescribed alongside antibiotics by your doctor. This is usually for moderate to severe acne, such as severe nodular acne (also called cystic acne).
Retinoids, that help treat acne by opening pores and working their way through the bloodstream. This makes it possible for other treatments like antibiotics to get into the follicles and treat the acne.
Corticosteroids, that aid in reducing inflammation of severe acne, including severe nodular acne. The medication may be injected directly into the affected areas of your skin after consulting your skin doctor.

Some people may require additional treatments for severe acne that does not respond to oral or topical medications, such as:

Laser and light therapies
Chemical peels are applied by a skin doctor to the skin on a superficial level
Surgical procedures that aid in the treatment and repair of scars

Plastic Surgery

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What is acne?

What are the types of acne?

Whiteheads

Blackheads

Papules

Pustules or pimples

Nodules

Cystic acne

What causes acne?

What are the symptoms of acne?

Frequently Asked Question

What are the treatments for acne?

What are the Topical medication used for acne treatment?

What are the Oral medications used for acne treatment?

I have tried both tropical and oral medications but are not working?

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