ACNE

One of the changes that are noticed at the onset of puberty is acne and sometimes resolves on its own before adulthood but some others still experience it even after puberty. It is usually experienced by male and female gender. The severity varies in individual and it becomes a thing of great concern when acne begins to affect the patient physical looks thus affecting the psychology of the patient resulting in reduced self-confidence.

Acne is a globally prevalent skin disease characterised by pimples, blackhead, whitehead which usually present on some part of the body like face, chest and back. Acne results when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells and sebum. There are several factors that could be responsible for acne. Genetics plays a role in the development of acne. If your parents had it you might also have it. Specific Hormones ( androgens) can also trigger the excessive production of sebum( oil) by stimulating the sebaceous gland to produce more sebum, this is often the case during puberty. Colonization of the sebaceous gland by bacteria called Cutibacterium (formerly called Propionibacterium ) could also be responsible for acne.

Certain medications (e.g corticosteroids) can worsen acne. Certain Diets ( chocolates, carbohydrate-rich foods, skimmed milk) can aggrevate acne. Stress and some environmental factors may also contribute to worsening it. Please note that acne is not caused because your skin is dirty.

Some non-pharmacological remedies that can help get rid of acne – washing the face with mild soap and water at least twice daily, avoid scrubbing the face this irritates the face, avoid oil-based cosmetics, ensure you keep your hands off the acne because touching or picking it can trigger more acne and cause scarring too.

Acne treatment is aimed at reducing the severity, recurrence of skin lesion as well as improve appearance. The treatment plan is designed based on the severity and underlying pathophysiology. Topical creams are used for mild acne. Antimicrobial creams (like erythromycin cream, clindamycin cream) which can be used in combination with benzoyl peroxide creams or retinoid creams are creams of choice. For moderate to severe acne oral therapy are added. Antibiotics, isotretinoin, anti-androgenic drugs and combined oral contraceptives are drug choices.