Article from Romrawin Clinic.
Acne is a condition caused by the blockage of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands within the follicle (pilosebaceous unit), resulting in raised bumps on the skin. If this blockage persists, the hair follicle expands, becoming a cyst. If infected, it can grow larger and rupture into deeper layers of the skin, becoming inflamed acne with pus. Sometimes, it can develop into a hard cyst that is difficult to treat. Generally, acne is divided into two levels:
- Mild acne refers to acne that is not inflamed, or has inflammation only in the superficial layers of the skin, such as open and closed comedones, milia, and whiteheads. It can be temporarily treated with manual extraction or topical anti-inflammatory medication.
- Inflammatory acne is a type of acne characterized by inflammation of the skin or sebaceous glands. It is often caused by accumulated inflammation and bacterial infection. Examples include papules, pustules, and cystic acne. It can be treated with oral medication or other procedures.
Topic… Treating Acne
- Causes of acne
- Where can acne occur?
- Clear up acne once and for all.
- Topical and oral medications.
- For more information…
Causes of acne
In fact, having acne is nothing to be ashamed of or abnormal. Acne is a type of skin disease commonly found in teenagers aged 12-25 years old and into adults, and is more common in men than women. It can appear on the face, chest, and back. The causes of acne vary from person to person depending on different factors, such as...
- Having an excess of keratinocytes, which are a key group of cells in the production of keratin found in nails, hair, and fur, can lead to blockages and eventually acne.
- Excessive oil production in the skin is caused by the sebaceous glands, which normally produce sebum to coat the skin, acting as a protective barrier and retaining moisture. However, when sebum is produced excessively, it leads to oil buildup on the skin's surface, clogging the sebaceous glands, and ultimately resulting in acne.
- Inflammation and the immune response: Naturally, when foreign substances enter the body, the immune system responds with inflammation to protect against and eliminate those foreign substances. These foreign substances can include certain bacteria, chemicals from laundry products, and types of fabrics that may cause irritation, among others.
Where can acne occur?
- The face is the area where acne is most commonly found, especially on the chin and forehead. This is because the skin along the midline of the face produces more oil than other areas and is often exposed to dirt due to frequent touching and rubbing. The same applies to acne on the nose. Acne on the cheeks is also a major cause of inadequate face washing and accumulated dirt.
- Acne on the neck and chest is often caused by dirt from hair exposed to pollution and dust mixed with oil on the scalp. In addition, it can sometimes be caused by an allergic reaction to products used on the scalp and hair.
- Back acne is often caused by various factors, such as oily skin from wearing non-breathable clothing, abnormal cell turnover due to genetics, hormones, and inflammation from bacteria, yeast, and fungi originating from moisture and dirt under clothing.
Clear up acne once and for all.
Through medical procedures.
When treating acne, doctors will consider the symptoms and underlying causes. They often use a combination of methods to reduce acne-causing factors. Common acne treatments include prescribing oral and topical medications by dermatologists, which yield varying results, as follows:
Topical medications include:
- Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives)
It works by reducing blockages and fighting inflammation to effectively treat acne, but it may cause dryness and irritation to the skin because it contains alcohol.
- Benzac or Benzoyl Peroxide
It is one of the most popular acne medications and can be purchased at most pharmacies. It works by reducing and killing bacteria similar to antibiotics.
- Topical antibiotics
These include Erythromycin, Clindamycin, and Metronidazole, which can be purchased at most pharmacies. However, prolonged use often leads to antibiotic resistance, requiring the use of Benzac in combination with these medications.
- Acids such as salicylic acid and azelaic acid.
It is a natural acid that helps reduce blockages and kill bacteria.
Oral medications that act throughout the body include:
- Oral contraceptives
It directly affects hormone levels and is commonly used to treat acne in women. Currently, there are many types available, with varying results depending on the ingredients. Side effects such as weight gain are also common.
- Isotretinoin
It is commonly used to treat moderate to severe acne. The medication works by inhibiting the function of the sebaceous glands, reducing the number of bacteria, and decreasing skin inflammation. Drug resistance can occur with prolonged use, and it can cause skin side effects such as dry skin and dry mouth.
Topical and oral medications.
Which method is more effective at treating acne?
Mild acne with inflammation can be treated with topical and oral medications. However, acne treatment should also include proper skincare, from choosing the right products and maintaining proper hygiene to consistently nourishing the skin. This helps reduce acne, strengthen the skin naturally, and prevent acne breakouts in the long term.
Whether it's topical or oral acne medication, there are different precautions to consider. For topical acne medications, all may initially cause redness, dryness, and peeling. These symptoms usually subside after about 3-4 weeks of use. Therefore, in the beginning, apply only a thin layer and strictly follow your doctor's instructions. Additionally, avoid acidic facial cleansers or harsh facial washing, as this can further dry and peel the skin, making acne medication ineffective and potentially worsening inflammation.
For oral acne medication, do not self-medicate based solely on advertising or persuasive claims. Carefully study the ingredients, avoiding medications containing multiple active ingredients or steroids. Some acne medications contain ingredients that can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts. Therefore, oral medication should always be used under a doctor's supervision, especially for severe inflammatory acne. Those with severe acne should consult a dermatologist for further treatment.
For further expert advice.
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