About Acne

Acne, a prevalent skin condition, arises primarily due to the clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. It’s especially common among teenagers but can affect people at any age. Various factors contribute to acne, including excess oil production, clogged hair follicles, bacteria, and inflammation.

Effective acne management is tailored to the severity and type of acne an individual has and may include a combination of topical and oral treatments. Topical options might consist of benzoyl peroxide, which targets surface bacteria and reduces inflammation, or salicylic acid, which helps in clearing blocked pores. For more severe cases, oral medications like antibiotics or isotretinoin may be recommended, which help reduce oil gland activity and fight bacteria. In some cases, hormonal treatments are also an option, particularly when acne flares up in relation to menstrual cycles or due to hormonal imbalances.

Proper skincare, including gentle cleansing and the use of non-comedogenic products, is also crucial in managing acne effectively.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acne can vary in severity and type, affecting individuals differently. Common symptoms associated with acne include:

● Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Small, firm bumps that remain under the skin and appear as a white dot.
● Blackheads (Open Comedones): These are visibly open on the surface of the skin and darken due to exposure to the air, not from dirt.
● Papules: Small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
● Pustules (Pimples): Papules with pus at their tips, often red at the base.
● Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin, formed by the build-up of secretions deep within hair follicles.
● Cysts: Large, pus-filled lesions that look similar to boils and carry the highest risk of causing scarring.

These symptoms primarily appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders due to the high number of oil glands in these areas of the skin.

Diagnosis

Dermatologists diagnose acne through these steps:

● Visual Examination: This involves looking at the spots, their location, and severity on the skin, which can include the face, chest, and back.
● Assessment of Acne Type: They categorise the acne by type, which can range from blackheads and whiteheads (non-inflammatory) to nodules and cysts (inflammatory), each requiring different treatment approaches.
● Medical History: A review of the patient’s medical history helps to determine if the acne is likely caused by hormonal imbalances, medications, or other underlying health conditions.
● Severity Assessment: Acne is graded based on its severity. This assessment helps in deciding the treatment plan. Severity ranges from mild (few occasional pimples) to severe (extensive nodules and cysts).
● Possible Laboratory Tests: While not always necessary, tests might be performed if the dermatologist suspects a hormonal imbalance or another underlying condition.
● Discussion of Symptoms: Patients are often asked about their symptoms, including any pain or tenderness associated with the acne, which helps in further tailoring the treatment plan.

Treatments

Prescription treatments for acne can help reduce symptoms, prevent new breakouts, and minimise acne scars. These treatments may include topical medications, oral pills, or a combination, depending on the severity and type of acne. Here’s how specific products available at My Pharmacy can help treat acne:

Lymecycline Capsules (84 Capsules) and Epiduo Gel (45g)

• Lymecycline: An oral antibiotic that targets the bacteria causing acne, reducing inflammation and preventing new spots from forming.
• Epiduo Gel: Combines adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide, which work together to clear acne, reduce inflammation, and prevent pore clogging.
  Dual Approach: Using both an oral and topical treatment can be more effective for severe acne.

Duac Once Daily Gel

• Active Ingredients: Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide.
• Function: Antibiotic properties of Clindamycin alongside Benzoyl Peroxide’s ability to dry out pimples and reduce bacteria.
• Benefits: Effective for treating severe acne by attacking bacteria and reducing skin oiliness.

Differin 0.1% Cream / Gel (45g)

• Active Ingredient: Adapalene.
• Function: Works by modulating skin cell growth and reducing inflammation, which helps prevent the formation of new acne pimples.
• Ease of Use: Available in both cream and gel forms, easy to apply, and suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Oxytetracycline 250mg (112 Tablets)

• Long-term Treatment: This oral antibiotic treats acne by fighting bacteria on the skin.
• Effectiveness: Helps reduce both inflammation and the number of bacteria that cause acne.
• Indication: Particularly effective for inflammatory acne and as part of a regimen for chronic acne management.

These treatments target different aspects of acne pathogenesis, from reducing inflammation and bacteria to preventing clogged pores.

Prevention Strategies

Effective acne prevention strategies include:

● Maintain a Clean Skin Routine: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities.
● Choose the Right Skincare Products: Opt for non-comedogenic products that do not clog pores.
● Stay Hydrated: Drinking adequate water can help maintain the health of your skin.
● Manage Stress: High stress levels can trigger or worsen acne.
● Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: Protect your skin with suitable sunscreen to prevent damage and potential acne flare-ups.
● Healthy Diet: A diet low in sugar and dairy products may help reduce acne in some people.

These methods focus on managing skin oil levels, keeping pores clear, and reducing inflammation to prevent acne outbreaks.

Related Reading

For detailed insights on managing acne and a variety of other health topics, visit our blog. It’s a valuable resource packed with expert advice and practical tips to help you understand and improve your skin health.