What causes acne and how to cure it?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As per the history and image provided (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it is Acne vulgaris. Acne usually appears due to multiple factors, including hormonal changes, climate changes, dietary imbalances, genetic factors, using certain skin products, menstrual cycles, and gynecological conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), which presents with menstrual irregularities most often but sometimes menstrual cycle may be regular as well. To manage severe acne, I would suggest you consult a gynecologist in person for the same. For the management of current acne, however, I would suggest-

1. Salicylic acid 2 % glycolic acid foam face wash, which is readily available online, if not available in your country of residence. I have included the generic name or the contents of the product so that you may purchase a product containing these ingredients. Apply twice daily, massage gently in a circular motion for one minute, and wash off.

2. Duac gel 1.2 % or 5 % gel (Clindamycin benzoyl peroxide gel) to be used in the morning after cleaning with the face wash for two months. Apply only on the acne lesions.

3. Clindamycin Adapalene gel, to be applied at night on the acne areas only as a spot treatment for two months.

4. Tablet ascorbic acid chewable 500 mg to be taken after food twice daily for two months.

5. Avoid sweets, oily and fried food, milk and dairy products, and red meat.

6. Consume more fruits and vegetables, and adequate water intake is advised.

7. Gynaecological consultation is advised, as mentioned above, to manage PCOS, as, without eliminating the root cause, the management of acne may be time consuming.

8. Facial chemical peels with glycolic acid are procedures done in sessions of two weeks to one month for at least six sessions, and other methods like laser therapy which are done in sessions as well, are procedures that help in better recovery. Kindly consult a dermatologist in person to undergo the procedures.

I want to mention that acne may be on and off depending on hormonal changes, climate, and dietary changes. External factors like diet can be managed. However, hormonal factors being internal may not be controlled. Therefore, management of acne may have to be done frequently till the acne lesions lessen in appearance. For this reason, consistency is critical.

Hope I could be of help. Stay happy, healthy, and safe.