Acne is a common skin condition caused by the blockage of oil glands in the skin, which leads to accumulation of sebum (skin oil), dead cells of the skin and bacterial within pores. It is particularly extensive among teenagers and young adults due to hormonal changes in this stage. These changes produce more androgen hormones that increase production of oil glands leading to overproduction sebum.
Main causes
Excessive Sebum: If too much sebum is produced by the oil gland, it can block pores.
Clogged Pores: Dead or excess sebum cells may plug up follicles thereby trapping bacteria inside.
Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes is a bacterium commonly found on human skin and when pores are blocked, it makes acne worse.
Inflammation: Blockage of the hair follicles with subsequent growth of bacteria will eventually result into inflammation that affects nearby skin tissues, hence redness as well as swelling.
Types:
Comedones: Accumulation in the pores blackheads are open comedones while whiteheads are closed comedones which develop as a result of increased amount of dead cells from pimples combined with fat producing organs for humans.
Papules: Inflamed small pink bumps
Pustules: Papules filled or covered with pus
Nodules: Large solid painful lumps arising deep beneath the skin surface
Cysts: Painful pus filled lumps developing deep down below as well as possibility leading scarring.
Acne treatment choices: Topical Remedies: Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and antibiotic ointments like clindamycin or erythromycin kill germs and unclog pores. Pills and Capsules: Doctors prescribe antibiotics (tetracycline or doxycycline) or hormone treatments (birth control pills for women's hormonal acne) when creams don't work. Isotretinoin (Accutane): Doctors save this strong drug for tough acne cases. It cuts down oil production and fights acne well, but watch out for serious side effects. Lifestyle Tweaks: Your diet, stress levels, and face-washing habits play a big role in keeping acne at bay. Acne treatment depends on how bad it is and what each person needs. It's smart to chat with a skin doctor to cook up a plan that fits you just right.
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