Treatment and Prevention of Acne and Other Skin Problems
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes pimples and spots on the face, chest, shoulders neck, and back. It is a common dermatological condition affecting almost 10% of the global population. Acne and other skin problems can affect anyone but are more prevalent among teenagers undergoing hormonal changes, and young adults up to 24 years. In the United States, acne affects more than 50 million people per year, with more than 85% of people being adolescents.
While acne is not life-threatening, it causes scarring, which can have an emotional impact causing low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other psychosocial problems. The most common type of acne includes pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and nodules.
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by an interplay of four major factors. It is mostly associated with puberty when the sebaceous glands are active. Excess production of oil (sebum) and androgenic hormones such as testosterone, abnormal shedding of the hair follicles, and bacterial infections contribute to acne. Other factors such as age, genetics, friction on the skin, certain medications such as lithium and corticosteroids, foods like chocolate, and stress are believed to aggravate acne.
Prevention of Acne
While it can be challenging to prevent all acnes, some tips can help you prevent and minimize the inflammations.
• Washing your face twice every day to remove oil and dirt that may clog your pores, causing acne.
• Avoid over-exfoliation. To some extent, exfoliation can help prevent and minimize acne outbreaks. But overdoing it removes natural oil on your skin, leaving your skin dry and prone to bacterial infections.
• Avoid using harsh products on your skin. Use noncomedogenic products, including cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, and sunscreen.
• Keep your hair away from your face, and also avoid touching your face with your hands. Your hair and hands transfer oils and dirt that clogs your skin pores.
• Avoid picking and popping pimples whenever you have an outbreak because it can result in infections and additional skin problems.
Treatment
Treatment option depends on the type and severity of acne. Mild to moderate acne is treatable using over the counter medications such as soaps, gels, creams, and lotions that are applied directly to the skin. These remedies contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria and slows production sebum and Resorcinol, which breaks down blackheads and whiteheads.
Severe acne characterized by large painful cysts and nodules is treated with stronger OTC medications or oral and topical antibiotics. A dermatologist may inject diluted corticosteroids to help prevent inflammation and minimize scarring. Common oral antibiotics used to treat acne include tetracycline and erythromycin. Antibiotics work by stopping the growth of bacteria and minimizing inflammation.
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