Introduction:
Tropical acne is a severe and commonly occurring skin disease peculiar to the tropics. It usually accounts for 25 to 30 % of the dermatological cases. However, the condition is usually found in people who have acne-prone skin and have experienced mild to moderate acne. Tropical acne is present most frequently in the trunk region, shoulders, and neck region. Excessive hot and humid weather is primarily responsible for the overstimulation of the sebaceous glands. This plays a prominent role in tropical acne development.
The disabling condition was first observed among the army troops of tropical areas during World War II and III, and also in Vietnam. It is a rare type of severe form of acne. The incidence of the severe form of acne is more in tropical places because there is an increased tendency for bacterial and fungal overgrowth, as compared to drier places.
What Are the Causes of Tropical Acne?
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Hot and humid seasons result in the over-activation of the sebaceous glands, which acts as the chief cause of severe acne in the tropical climate.
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Other predisposing factors include oily diet and junk food, career type, type of garments, skincare regime, cleansing and hygiene practices, and acne-prone skin that can exacerbate the incidence of acne in tropical weather.
Does Tropical Climate Affect Acne?
In a tropical climate, oil and sweat are produced in larger quantities due to higher temperatures. Acne breakouts occur due to the clogging of pores with oil, dirt, toxins, environmental pollutants, and sebum. Hot and extremely humid weather conditions are ideal for the breeding of fungi and bacteria that can get trapped inside clogged pores. This results in the formation of blemishes, inflammation, and skin allergies. The acne gets worse during the hot and humid weather.
What Are the Clinical Features of Tropical Acne?
Tropical acne usually presents itself in a severe form of acne vulgaris. Large pus-filled pimples or reddish, tender bumps and pus-draining sinuses are commonly present, along with widespread, distorting, and deforming acne scars. These scars eventually become keloidal and fibrotic. They are usually cystic type, widespread, and painful.
What Is the Difference Between Tropical Acne and Acne?
The term "tropical acne" was coined during World War II to refer to all those cases of acne that were commonly seen in army personnel posted in extremely hot and humid climates. The presentation of tropical acne was more magnificent and severe in size, appearance, and spread. This condition differs from acne vulgaris in many aspects.
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Sudden and abrupt onset of tropical acne.
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More severe in clinical manifestation than acne vulgaris of the temperate regions.
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The lesions in tropical acne are more cystic, resulting in deep-rooted pustules (pus-filled pimples), eventually causing mutilating scarring of the acne scars.
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The lesions are typically indurated in severe acne present in the tropical climate as compared to acne in temperate regions.
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Tropical acne frequently develops in the trunk region, shoulders, and neck area, whereas acne vulgaris usually develops on the face.
How to Diagnose and Treat Tropical Acne?
The patient should visit a skin doctor. Tropical acne can be diagnosed by visual examination along with full medical and patient history. Acne is usually managed by oral steroids and topical ointments. However, severe acne may require management with Isotretinoin which is a complex drug with potential adverse effects. It is a teratogenic drug. Hence, it should be avoided in pregnant ladies. Also, it should be taken only after the prescription of a dermatologist. The doctor should also make the patient aware of the harmful effects and risks associated with the use of Isotretinoin.
How to Get Rid of Acne in Hot and Humid Weather?
The tropical weather, which is very hot, makes the acne-prone, oily skin more susceptible to the development of severe tropical acne. Therefore, it is important to fight excess oil production with the use of a proper skincare routine. A good foamy cleansing face wash containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) helps clear the pores of excess oil, dirt, and toxins. It will also help to treat the microbial pathogens responsible for causing pustules (pimples).
What Should be the Skincare Routine of Acne-Prone Skin People Living In Tropical Countries?
Living in a region surrounding the zone of Equator comes with its own set of drawbacks, including skincare problems. Excessive heat and humidity enlarge and open the skin pores making the skin more vulnerable to acne and pus-filled pimple formation. So, it is crucial to follow a proper morning and night-time skincare regime to treat textured and bumpy skin. The key steps for healthy skin include:
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Proper Skin Cleansing - Face cleansing is a crucial part of skincare, but one should not overdo it as it can disrupt the protective barrier of the skin. It is better to use a good foamy face wash containing apple cider vinegar, Salicylic Acid, or Tea Tree oil to keep the toxins at bay. One should wash the face twice daily or after removing the makeup. It is crucial to wash the face in the evening to get rid of environmental pollutants, dirt, excess sebum, and makeup.
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Maintaining Skin Hydration - The skin retains more moisture in tropical weather due to the humidification of the air, but that does not imply skipping the moisturizer. However, instead of going for heavy-weight creams, one should go for gel-based formulas or lightweight moisturizers. Proper hydration of the skin is very necessary to keep the skin plump and youthful. If the skin is dehydrated, more oil will be produced to compensate for the skin’s dryness. This can cause uneven skin texture. Drink plenty of fresh juices, coconut water, and mineral water for better skin hydration. One can also incorporate a good hyaluronic acid serum in their skincare along with non-comedogenic jojoba oil.
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Wearing SPF Every Day - Sun protection is of utmost importance in all climates. But it should be critically used in the tropics because of direct Ultraviolet A rays. It is important to use a good mineral or chemical sunscreen. UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkle formation more rapidly. For tropical weather, an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 to 50 and above is recommended, which should be reapplied every two hours throughout the day. Sunscreen is available in many forms, from creams to gel formulas and tinted moisturizers. Even SPF in powder form is available now. So, one should choose the correct SPF for the face as well as the body.
Conclusion:
Tropical acne is a severe problem for people living or traveling to tropical countries. However, it is a rare disease. If one has acne-prone skin, it is better to consult a dermatologist before planning to visit a tropical country. A proper skincare regime with proper hydration is the key to avoiding acne breakouts. But people suffering from frequent pus-filled acne breakouts should not go for tropical duty.
