The clogging of your skin pores marks the onset of acne; its medical term is acne vulgaris. Now, when your pores are blocked, you can develop whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples, which are painful and pus-filled bumps appearing on the face. Although youngsters are more prone to acne, some adults can also develop them. The good news is that acne is treatable while preventing any scars.
Let us now study more about the different types of acne and the various ways to treat this distressing skin condition.
Acne: What are the Different Types?
Among the various types of acne are:
- The build-up of yeast in your hair follicles is characteristic of fungal acne, causing inflammation and itchiness.
- Cystic acne can lead to pus-packed pimples, leaving behind scars.
- Excess sebum production can cause the pores to clog in adults, which is referred to as hormonal acne.
- People with nodular acne develop pimples on the skin surface and nodular lumps underneath the skin, which is a severe form of acne.
It is advisable to seek acne treatment from your dermatologist during the early stages of this skin concern. Your acne symptoms could worsen and affect your daily life over time if left untreated. Also, both cystic acne and nodular acne can damage your skin permanently by way of scars.
Acne: What are the different stages?
The different stages of acne are listed herein:
- Phase 1 (Mild): You could develop papules, whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules.
- Phase 2 (moderate acne / pustular acne): Many papules and pustules start to appear on your face.
- Phase 3 (moderately severe acne / nodulocystic acne): Besides pustules and papules, you may notice inflamed nodules arising on your face, back, and chest.
- Phase 4 (severe nodulocystic acne): During this stage, patients complain of inflamed pustules and papules on the affected areas, which are painful and discomforting.
Acne: What are the different types of treatments?
While there are many ways to treat acne, your dermatologist will determine your treatment plan depending on your age, along with the type of acne and its severity.
. Topical acne medications
Topical acne medications that your dermatologist prescribes have to be rubbed on the skin to exploit their therapeutic properties, which include:
- Benzoyl Peroxide, an over-the-counter medication, counters the bacteria that cause acne to clear the skin. It is available as PanOxyl, Stridex, and Clearasil.
- Salicylic Acid, which is purchasable over the counter, prevents the clogging of the hair follicles by dissolving the dead skin cells.
- Azelaic Acid has acidic properties that can neutralize the action of the micro-organisms to treat acne and alleviate its swelling symptoms.
- Retinoids, or Vitamin-A derivatives, include Retinol, which is available as Tazorac, Retin-A, and Differin. They prevent the clogging of pores to eliminate the blackheads and whiteheads.
- Antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin have to be applied topically to target the acne-causing bacteria. These topical antibiotics, when combined with benzoyl peroxide, can prove to be more effective.
- Dapsone, a topical gel, contains anti-bacterial properties, which can treat the inflamed acne effectively.
- Oral Acne Medications
Among oral acne medications that have to be taken via mouth are:
- Antibiotics including minocycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline are prescribed for moderate to severe cases of acne to eliminate the bacterial elements.
- Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid, is available in the form of Claravis, Amnesteem, and Sotret. These oral medicines are helpful in shrinking the oil glands that lead to acne.
- Contraceptives contain both estrogen and progesterone and they are prescribed to women as part of acne treatment.
- Hormone Therapy combats the effect of hormones in the oil glands and hair follicles to treat acne.
- Other Acne Therapies
Light therapy, steroids, and chemical peels are other ways of treating acne and preventing scarring.
- Home Remedies
Some home treatments you can practice to get rid of acne include:
- Keeping your skin clean with gentle cleansers and warm water
- Washing your face and body after exercises
- Applying makeup remover before going to bed at night
- Using an oil-free moisturizer after the cleansing regime
- Refrain from using skin-care products that contain astringents, alcohol, exfoliants, and toners because they tend to irritate the skin
- Do not squeeze, pick, or pop your acne to prevent scar formation.
In case you do not perceive any noticeable results with natural remedies, make sure to consult your dermatologist for acne treatment.
When to contact a Dermatologist for Acne Treatment?
You may want to practice some natural treatments for treating the acne marks during the mild stages. However, if your skin condition worsens, or you do not perceive the desired results with home-based remedies, do not delay in contacting your dermatologist. These skin experts can help to keep your face clear of acne and improve your skin health. After all, your self-confidence receives a boost when your outwardly appearance improves, right?
Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for acne treatment today!
Acne is a common skin disorder that can affect both your self-esteem and mental health. Moreover, although you may be tempted to pick or pop your acne, you must restrain yourself from doing so to prevent scars. Importantly, you must contact your dermatologist early on if you have stubborn acne. Natural cures may not always work and medication can help to bridge this gap, when it comes to acne treatment.
Fortunately, acne is temporary and you can work with your dermatologist for treatment that is best suited to your acne-affected skin. Skin specialists will conduct a detailed diagnosis as part of your skin assessment. Subsequently, they will draft a treatment plan after considering your medical history and skin condition. Depending on your acne condition, age, and physical condition, they will prescribe oral medicines, topical ointments, or antibiotics, making it possible for you to flaunt acne-free skin.
