Common Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin issues among youngsters and adolescents, and it often can be treated in most of the cases, but acne can be persistent in some conditions despite the treatment.

Common acne

Common acne is a skin condition that causes the pores to be clogged up with oils and dead skin cells, which leads to pus-filled pimples.

Acne is the most common skin condition, and it affects about 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30. In most cases, acne affects adolescents and young adults, yet it can affect older adults, especially women.

Types of acne

• Cystic acne: it causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules, and it might also cause scars.
• Hormonal acne: it causes excessive sebum production (an oily substance that works as a protective layer for the skin), and that causes the pores to clog.
• Fungal acne: it occurs due to the buildup of yeast in the hair follicles and causes inflammation and itchiness.
• Nodular acne: it’s a severe condition of acne that causes pimples on the skin surface in addition to nodular lumps under the skin.

Causes and triggers of acne

Acne occurs as a result of the blockage of pores or hair follicles due to the excessive production of sebum, which, in turn, clogs up the pores with the skin dead cells, or due to the big number of the bacteria that normally live on the skin.

When the pores get clogged up, this triggers inflammation, which causes painful, red, and swollen pimples.

Some of the acne triggers:

• Hormones: acne is triggered because of the androgens, which are hormones that increase during puberty in both males and females. Moreover, hormonal changes in women during the menstrual cycle also trigger acne.
• Stress.
• Air pollution and humid weather.
• Using oily or greasy skin products.
• Picking at the acne.
• Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and testosterone.
• Wearing tight-fitting clothing and headgear (like hats and sport helmets) continuously.
• Certain foods, such as skim milk, whey protein, and high-sugar foods.
• Family history.

You must pay attention to the fact that there are some factors that are thought to trigger acne while in fact they have a mild effect or no effect at all, such as chocolate and greasy foods, cosmetics, and hygiene.

Symptoms of acne

Usually, acne appears on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back, and it has several forms:

• Closed plugged pores (whiteheads).
• Open plugged pores (blackheads).
• Pimples or pus-filled bumps.
• Small red lesions.
• Big and tender nodules under the skin.
• Pus-filled pimples under the skin (cystic lesions).

Diagnosis of acne

• Physical examination.
• Medical history.

Treatment of acne

• Topical medications, such as antiseptics, retinoids, and antibiotics.
• Oral medications, such as antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal therapy.
• Other therapies, such as laser, chemical peeling, light therapy, and steroid injections.