Published on Sep 04, 2015 and last reviewed on Apr 17, 2023 - 4 min read
Abstract
It is a common skin condition when the hair follicles get clogged and a skin care regimen is needed to take care of the skin.
Introduction:
Acne is a skin condition that is usually seen when the hair follicles in the skin get clogged. Each and every pore gets opened to a follicle. A follicle constitutes hair and an oil gland. The oil released by the gland softens the skin and helps remove old skin cells. When the glands become clogged by a mixture of oil and skin cells. The clogged part is known as a plug. When the top part of the plug is white and known as a whitehead. If the top part is black, then the plug is known as a blackhead. When the bacteria gets trapped in the clogged pore, the immunity will react and cause pimples. Acne that deepens in the skin causes hard, painful cysts. Such hard and painful acne is known as nodulocystic acne. The skin needs to be taken care of properly. There are a few ways to keep the skin clean and prevent the pores from getting clogged and avoid acne. The ways consist of the daily habits of keeping the face clean by at least washing it twice a day, using a gentle facial cleanser, avoiding food that triggers acne formation, etc. When nothing of the daily habits work, then the person should visit the dermatologist. There are treatments that can be effective to treat acne but the acne can be persistent.
Acne is known as a skin condition that is usually seen when the hair follicles present in the skin get clogged. Sebum and oil keep the moisture retained and dead skin cells and can form clogged pores, which leads to the flaring up of lesions, also known as pimples or zits. Largely, the flare-ups occur on the face, yet can emerge on the back, chest, and shoulders.
Acne is an inflammatory state of the skin that has sebaceous glands linking to the hair follicle, which contains a fine hair. The sebaceous gland makes sebum drain into the skin surface through the pore. Keratinocytes line the follicles. Keratinocytes are a type of skin cell. When the body sheds skin, the keratinocytes rise to the surface of the skin. When anyone has acne, the hair, sebum, and keratinocytes create adhesion to each other inside the pore. This prevents the keratinocytes from the process of shedding and helps maintain the sebum from reaching the surface of the skin. The mix of oil and cells allow bacteria to grow in the clogged follicles and induce inflammation, swelling, redness, heat, and pain. As soon as the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, it spills bacteria, skin cells, and sebum into the skin, which produces lesions or pimples.
Many people from all races and ages can get affected by acne, but it is considered common in teenagers and young adults. When acne occurs during the teenage years, it is more evident in males. Acne can persist into adulthood and at this age, it is more common in women.
Acne generates multiple types of lesions or pimples. The enlarged or clogged hair follicles are referred to as comedones. Types of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules or pimples, nodules, and severe nodular acne.
Physicians and researchers consider that one or more of the following can lead to the outcome of acne which include -
Excess production of oil in the pores.
Dead skin build-up in the pore.
Bacterial growth in the pore.
The following factors may raise the risk of developing acne:
Hormones.
Family history.
Medications.
Age.
The following factors do not induce acne but may worsen it:
Diet.
Pressure from tight clothing, backpacks, and helmets.
Pollution and high humidity.
Picking blemishes or squeezing them.
Scrubbing the skin harshly.
The following tips can be adapted to prevent acne such as:
The face should be kept clean. Even if there is no acne still it is important to wash the face twice a day, daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil from your skin's surface. Washing the face more often than twice daily is not essential and it may do more damage to the skin. Use lukewarm, not hot, water and a gentle facial cleanser.
Using harsh soap can hurt already inflamed skin and induce more irritation. Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, or any material. It should be gently washed with a very soft cloth or hands should be used. It should be always rinsed well, and then dry the face with a clean towel. Also, use the washcloth not more than one.
Suitable moisturizers should be used according to the skin type.
Over-the-counter products for acne can be used. The products which do not need a prescription are known as over-the-counter products. Many of the ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, restrain bacteria and dry your skin. They may cause drying or peeling so begin with a small amount at first. Then it can be adjusted what quantity can be used and how often. Another option constitutes topical retinoid gel (Differin 0.1 % gel). It works to keep acne from developing. These products should be used with caution on sensitive skin.
Make-up should be used occasionally.
Visit a dermatologist if needed.
Conclusion:
If self-care remedies do not clear acne, see the primary care physician. He or she may prescribe stronger medications. If acne continues or is severe, the patient may want to seek medical treatment from a physician who specializes in the skin like a dermatologist. For numerous women, acne can last for decades, with zits and pimples common a week before menstruation. This type of acne manages to clear up without medicine in women who use contraceptives. In older adults, a sudden outset of harsh acne may signal an underlying disease demanding medical attention. If pimples run in the family, start taking good care of the skin at an early age. Stick to the prescribed treatment and do not use products that are not suggested by the dermatologist. Certain foods that can trigger acne formation may be avoided.
To prevent pimples, a few food items like cake, white rice, soda, and white bread should be avoided. Carbohydrates and sugar-containing food directly get into the blood easily. It leads to an increase in the glycemic index that affects blood sugar and leads to the formation of pimples.
People prone to pimples should wash their face twice daily with warm water and mild soap solution. Avoiding oily and spicy foods can help prevent the further growth of pimples. Use sunscreen while traveling in the sun.
Acne commonly begins during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 years. It is most commonly seen in people with oily skin. The occurrence of acne usually goes away in the late 20s. However, it is observed in both males and females, but the male population is more commonly affected.
The person may get pimples due to hormonal changes. They can also be associated with eating junk food. Getting pimples is common during the teenage years. The exact cause of pimples is when the hair follicle openings get blocked or clogged with dead skin cells and oil.
Drinking water helps in keeping the person hydrated. In addition, it improves the skin by removing bacteria and toxins from the skin. Drinking at least three to four liters of water helps to flush all the toxins from the skin and also reduces the risk of pore-clogging.
Exercise and physical activity can help decrease the blood sugar levels that are responsible for pimple growth. So physical activity like swimming, skating, cycling, or running can help in reducing pimples. However, excessive exercise can lead to a lot of sweat which can increase the risk of acne.
The risk of developing acne increases when sleep of the person is disturbed. When a person gets lesser than the required amount of sleep, they may become prone to acne breakouts. Although no research states sleep affects pimples, they are mostly correlated.
Hot water should not be used for washing the face. Hot water can remove the natural oil from the face, which leads to the dilation of blood vessels making the skin look redder. Lukewarm water is considered best for washing the face.
As we sleep, the face is kept over the pillow, which makes the skin unable to breathe. The unavailability of oxygen to the face obstructs the skin follicle, which causes clogged pores. Changing the sleeping position and adequate sleep can prevent the formation of acne.
The skin can be made glowing by drinking a lot of water and maintaining a balanced diet. In addition, home remedies such as turmeric powder and gram flour can be applied along with milk for the face to glow. Avoiding pollution and stress can also help in making the skin healthier and glowing.
Acne vulgaris looks like a tender bump, small red pimples which are papules containing pus at their tips. Blackheads and pimples are two common symptoms of acne vulgaris. It most commonly occurs when oil glands are blocked in the hair follicle or due to hormonal changes.
Glowing skin looks awaken and healthy rather than dry or dull. Hormone fluctuation can lead to oily skin, which makes a face glow. But production of excessive oil can lead to acne formation throughout the skin.
Mild acne vulgaris can be managed and cured at an early stage. Unfortunately, there is no such cure for acne-prone skin. The minimum duration for treating acne is usually six to eight weeks, exceeding twelve weeks.
Acne lesions usually disappear within two weeks, but the deeper nodules and papules may persist for months. The minimum time taken for treatment of acne is usually six to eight weeks which can exceed twelve weeks.
Acne vulgaris is commonly seen during the adolescent stage of an individual. The age group involved is usually 15 and 18 years. Excess oil entrapped in hair follicles often leads to the formation of acne vulgaris.
Last reviewed at:
17 Apr 2023 - 4 min read
RATING
Dermatology
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Article Overview: Acne vulgaris is a skin condition caused by the blockage of hair follicles. Read this article to know about it. Read Article
Introduction: Acne or acne vulgaris is a common condition that usually starts in the teenage years when sebaceous glands become active. However acne can also occur in childhood and even in infancy, but it is rare. Some individuals have an inherent tendency to have hyperactive sebaceous glands, a ris... Read Article
Acne vulgaris, a Social Problem.
Article Overview: This article discusses the social problems encountered by teens as well as adults due to acne. Read Article
What Is Acne Vulgaris? Acne vulgaris is nothing but the prevalent form of the acne itself. These are also referred to as pimples or spots. Acne is the most common skin problem encountered in teenagers and adults. It has been estimated that around 85 % of teenagers are affected by acne. How Is Acne V... Read Article
Article Overview: Adult acne is more common nowadays with changes in lifestyle and the use of various cosmetic products. The treatment of adult acne is a challenge for many dermatologists, and it is also frustrating for the patients. Understanding the cause of adult acne helps establish a better strategy for preventing and treating adult acne. Read Article
Introduction: Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. Some people call it blackheads, blemishes, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts. However, acne breakout is usually considered to result from clogged pores, a buildup of sebum, and, most commonly, a bacterial infection. What Are the ... Read Article
Most Popular Articles
Do you have a question on Acne Vulgaris or Management Of Acne?
Ask a Doctor Online