Acne vulgaris, commonly called acne, is a skin condition that causes pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and other types of breakouts on the skin. Acne can appear on the face, chest, shoulders, and upper back. On the face, it can be prominently seen on the cheeks, chin, nose, or forehead.
Despite the various advertisements, acne cannot always be effectively treated using OTC (over-the-counter) products available in the market. While topical applications are helpful for mild acne, it is necessary to get a dermatologist’s advice for acne treatment in Delhi and follow the prescription to ensure the breakouts don’t happen frequently. The doctor will analyze your skin and identify which type of acne you have. Then, they will create a treatment plan to address the root cause of acne. The blog contains insights from the Best Dermatologist for Acne in Delhi, let’s delve further.
Types of Acne
Most types of acne lead to scars, temporary and permanent. Acne and its scars are treated by dermatologists using topical and oral medication, laser therapy, chemical peels, etc. The treatment plan will be designed based on the type of acne you have and the overall skin (and health) condition.
Acne can be caused by fungus, bacteria, hormonal imbalance or clogged pores. It occurs when the skin produces excess oil that gets trapped in the pores with dirt, bacteria, fungus, or dead skin cells. This leads to inflammation and breakouts in various forms. Acne can be painful, itchy, and irritating. Picking or scratching acne breakouts leads to scars.
Some of the common types of acne and treatments are mentioned below:
Comedones are acne breakouts caused when the hair follicle is blocked with oils and dead skin cells. Comedones can be categorised into whiteheads and blackheads. They appear to be tiny white (whitehead) or black (blackhead) bumps on the skin’s surface. To avoid comedones, it is recommended to use cosmetic products that are labeled as noncomedogenic, as they are less likely to clog pores.
- Blackheads
Blackheads are open comedones that appear like black dots on the skin’s surface. The black colour is oxidization of sebum oil and dead skin cells when exposed to air rather than dirt. However, the blackhead might look like a broken hair follicle when extracted. Blackheads can be treated with topical applications.
- Whiteheads
Whiteheads are closed comedones that appear to be raised bumps on the skin’s surface. The tip of the bump is white in color, hence the name. It is caused by clogged pores from the buildup of excess sebum oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. Whiteheads can also be treated with topical applications if they are mild. However, a severe case of whiteheads might need treatment other than topial medications.
Papules are red or brown inflamed bumps on the skin. They are sensitive to touch and can be painful. If many papules mushroom in a single area, it is a case of severe acne and needs to be quickly treated by a dermatologist. Dermatological treatments like laser light and chemical peels are helpful.
Pustules are inflamed, white pus-filled bumps that resemble blisters. These raised red bumps are painful to touch. Picking or squeezing the pustules can lead to more breakouts and permanent scarring.
Acne mechanica is a type of acne that is caused by pressure, friction or rubbing of skin. It is also caused by tight clothing. These are also known as sports-induced acne. It is more common on the forehead due to sweat deposits. People who wear sports gear like caps, helmets, etc., for a long time show signs of acne mechanica. Apart from dermatological treatments, proper hygiene is important to prevent this acne.
Nodules are inflamed, painful and firm bumps on the skin’s surface and are fairly large. The nodules form deep under the skin, making it hard to treat with just topical applications. They might also leave a scar.
Cysts look similar to boils and are large like nodules. However, they are filled with pus and can be very painful. Nodules and cysts are cases of severe acne as they appear deep in the skin’s layers and require multiple treatment sessions.
Acne conglobata is severe acne that usually occurs on the back, chest, arms, neck, and bottom. This case of acne is referred to as a chronic skin condition in which a group of large, inflamed nodules develops on the skin’s surface, causing permanent scars or disfigurement. Acne conglobata is seen more in men and requires steroid treatment to show results. Other methods may not be effective.
Severe nodulocystic acne is the presence of multiple cysts and nodules that are red, large and hard lumps. These acne develop deep beneath the layers of the skin. They are painful to touch and leave scars after subsiding. Such acne can be treated with strong medication and corticosteroid injections, which are directly given to the bumps to reduce inflammation. The treatment will require many sessions.
Dermatologically Effective Treatments for Acne
Acne treatments can be categorized into the following types. While mild acne can be treated using topical applications, moderate to severe acne will need an in-depth treatment plan. This also includes dietary and other changes you may have to adopt.
Topical Application
Topical applications are creams, gels, and ointments that are applied onto the targeted skin area. Even for topical application, it is important to get prescribed topical applications from a dermatologist based on your skin type, acne type, age, and general health condition.
The following are some active ingredients that can reduce acne and acne scars.
- Retinoids
- Azelaic acid and salicylic acid
- Dapsone
- Benzoyl peroxide
Oral Medication
In cases of severe acne, oral medication is prescribed alongside other treatment options. The medication varies based on the root cause of acne but may result in a few side effects when used in the long term.
- Antibiotics
- Contraceptives
- Isotretinoin
- Hormone Therapy
- Steroids
Dermatological Treatments
Dermatological treatment can be in various types. Numerous sessions are required for permanent acne treatment in Delhi to reduce acne by addressing the root cause. These treatment options are:
Different types of laser light are targeted on the acne-affected area to heat the skin’s layers and stimulate collagen production.
Chemical peels contain strong active ingredients that seep into the epidermis and dermis of the skin to target acne. The peels remove the topmost layers of the skin, triggering the body to heal the wound by producing collagen and healthy skin cells.
Severe acne-like cysts and nodules can be treated by injecting steroids into the bumps. This treatment can give faster results but may have more side effects.
Book an appointment with a senior award-winning dermatologist at Mehektagul Dermaclinic, the best acne treatment clinic in Delhi, to treat your acne using safe and effective medical procedures. With the right treatment and care, healthy skin can be free of acne breakouts.
