What is ACNE?
Acne is typically defined as a skin condition that results into pimples or zits. This includes whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts).
Signs and Symptoms
Acne generally appears on the face and shoulders, but its signs and symptoms may also appear on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.
- Blackheads
- Cysts
- Redness around skin eruptions
- Pustules
- Whiteheads
- Small red bumps
- Crusting of skin bumps
Causes
Acne is triggered by:
- Hormonal changes related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
- Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
- Allergic reaction to certain drugs
- High level of humidity and sweating
Treatment
The easiest way to prevent acne is to take proper care of your skin by cleaning your skin with a mild, non-drying soap. This will remove all dirt or make-up. Other treatment options include:
- Oral antibiotics – These antibiotics are frequently prescribed of patients with severe acne and some patients with moderate acne too.
- Oral contraceptives – If acne development in women is related to hormonal changes, your doctor might suggest you oral contraceptives that suppress the overactive gland and are commonly used as long-term treatments for acne in women.
- Interlesional Corticosteroid Injection - If an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed there is a high risk of rupturing. A rupturing acne cyst can often result in scarring. The specialist may inject a diluted corticosteroid to treat the inflamed cyst and prevent scarring
