Acne is a disorder of the skin’s hair follicles and oil glands. It secretes oils to keep the skin moist. However, when the glands become clogged, pimples and cysts can form.
Acne most often appears in areas where there are sebaceous glands, including:
Face
Chest
Upper back
Shoulders
Neck
Symptoms of Acne
Acne can cause any (or a combination of) the following breakouts on your skin:
Whiteheads
Blackheads
Pimples
Nodules, cysts, or both (deep and painful)
Dark spots on the skin
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
Washing your face several times can dry your skin and cause more breakouts.
Scratching and squeezing the breakout may irritate your skin and make acne worse.
How Your Workout Could be Contributing to Your Acne Woes?
Excessive sweating during workouts can build up oil, dirt, and bacteria on the skin, contributing to acne. Considering a few precautions before, during, and after an exercise helps to prevent acne.
Here’s what you need to do before the workout:
Remove your makeup.
Wear your best workout attire (wash clothes since you last wore them).
Apply oil-free sunscreen before you head outside.
Here’s what you need to do during the workout:
Wipe off sweat using a fresh towel.
Refrain from sharing safety gear like shoulder pads and helmets.
Here’s what you need to do after your workout:
Consider taking a shower right away after your workout.
Use a mild cleanser when washing your face.
Ways to prevent acne
Be gentle with your skin. Use gentle products, such as alcohol-free ones, that should possess a ph. between 5.5 to 7.
Avoid the temptation to scrub your skin. It makes your acne worse.
Wash your face with lukewarm water twice a day.
Avoid popping, picking, or squeezing your skin.
Avoid stress and maintain your sleep cycle.
Let your skin heal naturally.
When to Seek Dermatologist Help for Your Acne?
If your acne makes you unhappy or uncomfortable
If your acne is producing scars
If your acne is causing dark patches to appear (hyperpigmentation)
Acne Treatment: How is it treated?
It depends on the type of lesions present and how much skin is affected.
If your acne is mild, it can often be treated with topical(applied to the skin) over-the-counter medications.
A doctor may prescribe more potent topical medicines and oral antibiotics for moderately severe acne.
For severe nodulocystic acne refractory to the above medications, a drug known as isotretinoin is prescribed orally for around 4 to 6 months. The patient should be on proper contraception throughout treatment with oral isotretinoin. A urine pregnancy test is advised before prescribing oral isotretinoin.
Treatment for acne scars: Acne Scar Treatment
There are safe and efficient treatments available for acne scars.
The treatment may consist of :
Laser treatments
Minor skin surgeries
Chemical peels
Fillers
⇒A dermatologist or a dermatologic surgeon can perform these treatments in outpatient settings.
Can Your Diet Worsen Your Acne?
The role of dietary changes remains uncertain in the treatment of acne. Several studies have linked acne to dairy products and high-glycemic-index foods, but no research has been published to establish the relationship.
Do You Need Tests to Uncover Underlying Health Conditions Related to Acne?
If you think you may have any disorder associated with acne, getting a physical examination from a healthcare provider may help them diagnose your symptoms and find the right treatment.
Your doctor may order some tests to help rule out these medical problems after noting down your medical history and performing a physical examination.
Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist?
Do I need any tests to find out what could be causing acne?
May I have any disease or disorder associated with acne?
Is there a role of diet predisposing to acne?
Is an altered sleep cycle predisposed to acne?
What type of medications could help to lessen my acne?
Bibhusan Basnet, MD
Om Kumar, MS3
