ACNE / ACNE SCARS
It is usually called ‘pimples’ and appears more commonly in adolescence
Acne involves the sebaceous glands over the face.
Skin coloured solid raised lesions appear on and off over the face.
They can get infected resulting in pus filled lesion.
Comedones are common and they can be black heads or white heads.
Sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone androgens) are the circulating chemical substances, that influence the growth of sebaceous glands and its secretions.
There is no relation between the onset of acne and consumption of food items and oils.
Apart from face, they can present over chest, back and thighs.
Most common complications following acne is pigmentation and scarring.
Various antibiotic creams like Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Clindamycin and comedolytics like Benzyl peroxide, Retinoic acids, Adapelene with various concentrations are available for its treatment.
Pigmentation following acne can be managed with various skin lightening creams.
Surgical procedures like acne scar revision are done to minimize the post acne scar.
The acne should not be manipulated or pricked, and any creams given by friends or chemist or any home remedies should not be applied over the acne. Acne is an age related problem. It should not be considered as a disease and do not worry about the condition as stress increases the problem and good treatment options are available.
Apart from face, they can present over chest, back and thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I get Acne?
- What foods do I need to avoid?
- I get acne frequently, is there a hormone defect in me?
- I have acne, pigmentation and scar over the face. Will it be treated?
- I get acne from several years. What I should do?
- My neighbour had suggested creams for the management of acne. Shall I follow the advise?
Que - 1 : Why do I get Acne?
Ans: Acne develops commonly over the face. Chest, back and thigh are also involved. The circulating chemical substances called hormones will influence the growth of sebaceous glands and its secretions. Infection and blockage of sebaceous ducts will result in the development of acne.
Que - 2 : What foods do I need to avoid?
Ans: There is no definite relationship between acne and diet. However, high glycemic loads, dairy products, and refined sugar products can flare. One need not be anxious on this issue.
Que - 3 : I get acne frequently, is there a hormone defect in me?
Ans: There should not be any anxiety. Acne although more frequent in adolescents it can appear in any age group. A dermatologist can examine and treat accordingly.
Que - 4 : I have acne, pigmentation and scar over the face. Will it be treated?
Ans: Acne causes pigmentation and scarring. Topical antiacne and skin lightening agents are available that can effectively treat acne and pigmentation. Surgical procedures to correct acne induced scars are available. Well trained dermatologists practice these surgical procedures.
Que - 5 : I get acne from several years. What I should do?
Ans: Acne causes remissions and exacerbations. Your dermatologist should have advised maintenance anti acne treatment that you need to take. Please adhere to his advice. Do not stop the treatment.
Que - 6 : My neighbour had suggested creams for the management of acne. Shall I follow the advise?
Ans: It is one of the commonest mistakes followed by the public that results in unscientific and undesirable response. These creams contain steroids in various strengths. The temptation to use such creams is due to the immediate temporary relief observed over the applied areas. Sustained use of these steroid based creams result in topical steroid-dependent face (TSDF). It means there will be reddish discolouration over the face with severe itching and burning. Multiple white patches and wrinkles can appear. There can be pus filled lesions and increased unwanted hair growth over the applied areas of skin. Public are advised to be careful and not to accept such suggestions from unqualified persons.