What Is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition in which you get pimple-like bumps in the skin. These pesky zits can be itchy and painful in varying degrees. They are most commonly caused by clogged pores on the skin and affect the face. However, some people also get acne on their backs, chests, shoulders, and foreheads.
What Causes Acne?
There is an array of factors that can lead to an acne outburst. Let’s check out some common causes of acne:
- Excess sebum production
- Product buildup
- Hormonal changes
- Buildup of dead cells like whiteheads and blackheads
- Excess bacteria on the skin
- Inflammation
- Side effects of certain medications
- Friction from face mask, clothing, helmet, etc.
- Stress
- Poor diet
It is essential to figure out the root cause of your acne issue so that a targeted treatment plan can be devised for efficient relief.
Can You Treat Acne At Home?
Simple acne outbursts can be managed at home with proper skin care and a healthy diet. Some commercial products containing low concentrations of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can also be helpful. Products containing aloe vera and tea tree oil help soothe the skin too. However, if acne is recurrent or is so bothersome that it hinders your lifestyle or daily activities, you must seek medical help.
How Does A Dermatologist Treats Acne?
There are a few approaches to treating acne. Sometimes, a combination of a few works the best. Let’s look at those treatment options below.
- Topical & Oral Medication: Antibiotics, retinoids, and steroids can be taken orally or applied in the form of a cream. In addition, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and salicylic acid are known to have a good impact on curbing acne.
- Chemical Peels: These peels contain high concentrations of AHAs and BHAs that help unclog pores and clear out deep-rooted gunk and oil buildup. This helps cure and prevent acne.
- Hormonal Therapy: A good way to balance hormones in women is using oral contraceptives. In men, some anti-androgen medications can help. However, if you have severe acne, corticosteroids can be used temporarily to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. This can be given as oral pills or injections.
- Extraction: In this process, the dermatologist manually removes blackheads, whiteheads, and other debris from the skin. If there’s existing acne, he can also remove pustules and pus. This can help reduce the risk of infection and help reduce and prevent acne.
- Light Therapy: In light therapy, blue light is used to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, and red light is used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
These treatments must be complemented with gentle but thorough cleansing to prevent further acne outbursts. You must also avoid popping your pimples or picking at them. Good sleep and stress management also go a long way in keeping your face pimple-free.