Acne.. A dreaded word for most people since it hits their skin during puberty or even after. I have had my share of patients asking me if “acne is really harmful?”. Well, honestly acne is as harmful as any other skin disease and does have an excess of negative effects on a person especially with the scars it leaves behind when not treated correctly. Acne is a common condition found from infants to adults, acne is caused by inflamed sebaceous glands. It can be found in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, papules, pustules or nodules. Acne typically occurs in the facial area, back and/or chest where the sebaceous glands are most prominent. They can also occur on other body parts such as neck or upper arms. Acne can be inflammatory or noninflammatory. In majority cases, individuals exhibit both types of acne.
There is a myriad range of causes for the appearance of acne. Most common being the hormonal changes during the teenage years as well as during pregnancy. Other factors include oil based cosmetic use, stress & anxiety, humidity or exposure to dirt, physical irritation from occlusive clothing, headbands, hats, helmets etc. Also use of certain medications such as phenytoin, isoniazid, phenobarbital, lithium, quinine and/or steroids can contribute to acne. As a dermatologist, I would always recommend a patient to get treatment for acne as early as possible. Mostly because any form of acne, even if it is mild, leaves behind marks or scars that won’t fade away on its own. Scars tend to have a psychological effect on a person because the overall appearance is hampered. To avoid this and more complex issues we need to look at the prevention and early treatment of acne in a deeper way.
The treatment of Acne must always be customised. At Derma Centre, we treat acne based on the age of the patient, the skin type and severity of the condition. Mild acne can be treated with a few over-the-counter prescribed medications such as creams, gels, soaps and lotions to be applied topically. For moderate to severe acne, most patients would require the addition of antibiotics, both oral and topical. They combat the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. For patients that do land up in my office with Acne scars, we have treatments that range from Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Laser Treatments and Micro-Needling. Microdermabrasion is a minimally abrasive treatment with a minimal downtime and a quick recovery. In this therapy, the instrument is used to gently sand the skin removing the thicker, uneven outer area reducing acne and acne scars. Chemical Peels, involve the use a chemical solution, made from various alpha and beta hydroxy acids, to reduce the sebaceous gland overactivity to smooth the texture of the skin by removing the outer damaged layer. This effectively reduces acne/acne scarring. Micro-Needling is an aesthetic and revolutionary procedure that, by creating micro-injuries stimulates collagen production and remodelling by promoting the body’s natural response to healing, hence bringing about reduction in scars.
In conclusion, with the guidance of a Board Certified Dermatologist, every individual must have a regular cleansing regimen that is gentle and thorough to avoid severe acne. Using the right kind of moisturisers and cosmetics according to the skin type help in maintaining a clearer skin. Most importantly, YOU MUST FIGHT THE URGE TO POP THAT PIMPLE ! Popping of pimples, will eventually and inevitably lead to deep scarring. Consulting your Dermatologist about the right regimens and treatments for your skin is the first step towards maintaining healthy skin.
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