All One Needs to Know About Acne and Acne Treatment Methods

Acne is a common skin problem seen in teenagers and adults. It results in regular breakouts on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Acne can be painful and result in inflammation, scars, and other skin concerns. Teenagers suffer more from acne, but it can continue well into adulthood, depending on the skin type and other conditions.

Let’s learn more about why acne occurs and how it can be medically treated to improve skin health. We will also learn about the top acne treatment in Delhi provided at Mehektagul Derma Clinic.

Reasons for Acne

Clogged skin pores mainly cause acne. The pores are blocked with oil, dead cells, and bacteria, resulting in breakouts. Hormonal changes are a primary reason for acne, which is why teenage pregnancy, stress, menopause, and monthly menstrual cycles can aggravate acne.

Additionally, acne is also caused by certain medications like steroids and anticonvulsants. Genetic conditions are another reason for acne. Smoking can result in acne and affect the skin health along with other important organs.

Medical Acne Treatment in Delhi at Mehektagul Derma Clinic

Acne has to be correctly diagnosed and treated using a combination of methods to prevent recurring breakouts. An experienced dermatologist will examine the patient’s skin and recommend the best acne treatment plan. It can include one or many of the following options:

• Oral Medication
  Sometimes, oral medication is necessary to reduce inflammatory acne, though the medicines are prescribed for a shorter duration to prevent antibiotic resistance and other side effects. Moreover, other treatments are combined to enhance the results. Macrolides, co-trimoxazole, fluoroquinolones, tet-rac-ycl-ines, and iso-tre-tin-oin are commonly prescribed. Birth control pills are said to treat hormonal acne.
• Topical Applications
  Topical applicants work best for mild to moderate inflammatory acne. These products generally contain ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, da-pso-ne, tri-clo-san, niacinamide, corticosteroids, sodium sul-fac-eta-mide, sulfur, etc.
  Some active ingredients are more effective than others, though they may also cause side effects such as dry skin, irritation, etc. The dermatologist will prescribe a topical cream/ serum based on one’s skin condition.
• Light and Laser Therapies
  Light therapies are effective in treating acne and acne scars. One will need multiple treatment sessions and around twelve weeks to notice the results. Moreover, laser therapy has to be combined with other treatments to completely clear acne. Different types of light, such as laser, violet light, blue metal halide light, full-spectrum lights, etc., are used during the treatment.
• Injections
  Nodule and cystic acne can be treated by directly injecting cortisone into the affected areas. Cor-tic-ost-ero-id tri-amc-ino-lo-ne acetonide helps reduce acne keloid scars. However, injections can lead to risky side effects like pain and skin atrophy and are prescribed only in certain conditions.
• Chemical Peels
  Chemical peels are used to remove dead skin cells and clear clogged pores. The ingredients go deep into the skin’s layers and can help reduce acne over time. However, chemical peels can cause skin redness and irritation and even peel off the top skin layer. It is vital to get the treatment performed by a dermatologist. Applying chemical peels at home can lead to adverse results and cause permanent damage to the skin, like scarring.
• Surgery
  In severe acne, a surgery called acne extraction might be necessary. In this procedure, the dermatologist physically removes the acne bumps from the skin. To minimize the risk of infections and scarring, consult a dermatologist with surgical expertise.

Types of Acne

Despite the general misconception, acne is not limited to pimples. It is categorized into the following types:

• Whiteheads
  Whiteheads are small raised bumps on the skin’s surface with a white tip. They are caused by closed comedones, which are clogged hair follicles where keratin and the oil produced by the skin clog the pores. One should not pop a whitehead, leading to infection and scarring.
• Blackheads
  Open comedones cause blackheads, which are dark bumps on the skin. Not all blackheads are raised. Squeezing or popping them can be risky and should be avoided. Despite the availability of blackhead strips on the market, it is recommended not to use such applications.
• Pustules
  Pustules are small bumps with a white center containing pus. They have an inflamed head, and can be painful. Do not pop pustules or pick them. OTC (over-the-counter) creams are ineffective and do not provide a long-term solution like dermatological treatments.
• Papules
  Papules are tiny bumps less than one centimeter in diameter and have no pus inside. However, some can be painful to touch and should not be popped or picked. Repeated papule occurrences need medical attention to identify the underlying cause.
• Nodules
  Nodules are skin-colored bumps that are deeper than the skin’s surface. They may or may not contain pus. Some nodules are red in color. These require treatments that go deep into the skin’s layers.
• Cystic acne
  Cysts are large, painful, red, and have pus inside. These usually occur during pregnancy or when one is trying to get pregnant. Applying OTC creams might lead to other complications or harm the baby.
  
  
• Acne Excoriée
  Acne Excoriée is caused by picking on the acne and acne scars. They can permanently damage the skin and take a long time to heal. Do not scratch, pick, or pop the scabs.
• Acne Mechanica
  Acne Mechanica are tiny inflammations that resemble nodules, papules, or pustules. They are caused by friction and appear more on the body (arms, chest, legs, back, buttocks), where the tight-fitted clothes repeatedly rub on the skin’s surface.
• Severe Nodulocystic Acne
  Multiple nodules appear on the skin in clusters and cause scarring. These require multiple treatment sessions as the damage to the skin can be extensive. The dermatologist may prescribe oral medication or injections.
• Acne Conglobata
  Acne Conglobata is a deep burrowing on the skin with interconnected abscesses in the deeper layers. It may also release smelly discharge and look like large, red bumps. This type of acne is treated using laser therapy or oral medication. Teenage males are more likely to have it.
• Fungal Breakouts are Not Acne
  Fungal breakouts are not acne, though they look similar. These small red or white bumps can be treated with antifungal creams. They are caused by yeast and are common in people with oily skin. Self-diagnosis or misdiagnosis can aggravate the condition, as acne treatments should not be used for fungal breakouts.

Skin Care Tips to Control Acne

Proper skin care can reduce acne breakouts caused by clogged pores.

• Wash the affected area twice a day with a gentle cleanser. 
• Avoid     makeup, moisturizers, and other applications with oil or cream as a base. Opt for water-based products with no fragrance. 
• Do not touch the affected area repeatedly. 
• Be careful when shaving the affected areas, and minimize the blade’s interaction with acne. 
• Do not apply OTC creams and lotions in excess. 
• Apply sunscreen daily and multiple times a day (if one spends more hours outdoors).
• Do not scrub the acne or exfoliate it more than once a week. 
• Remove makeup every night and allow the skin to breathe. 
• Do not share makeup brushes, pads, and other items.

Book an appointment at Mehektagul Dermaclinic for safe and accurate medical treatments for acne based on one’s skin type, health, age, and other factors. Get a complete skin analysis to diagnose the root cause of acne and get a tailored treatment plan. One can also learn about the acne treatment cost in Delhi. Get acne-free, clearer skin now!