Acne
by Alison
Cole
zone3
Acne is a skin condition characterized by plugged pores (blackheads and
whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that
especially occur on the face, chest and back. Acne caused by the
overactivity and plugging of the sebaceous glands (skin’s oil glands)
affects more that eighty percent of teenagers and preteens to some extent.
However, the disease can affect people of every age, gender, and race.
People with acne frequently demonstrate lesions. The basic acne lesion,
called the comedo, is a sebaceous follicle plugged with sebum, tiny hairs,
dead cells and sometimes bacteria. Closed comedones with some pathological
changes in pilosebaceous ducts (hypercornification of the duct) are called
whiteheads. Open comedones that present when whiteheads reach the skin’s
surface and touch air are called blackheads. Their black color is not
dirt, but the melanin (skin pigment) that accumulates in the opening of
the oil gland.
Other troublesome acne lesions can develop such as papules, pustules,
nodules, and cysts. Papules and pustules are blockages of oil glands that
are inflamed. Papules are red lesions (pimples). Pustules are pimples
topped by pus-filled lesions that are usually red at the base. Nodules are
large, painful, solid lesions that are deep-seated within the skin. They
may develop additional infection and have the potential to produce
long-term scarring. Cystic acne is considered the severe acne form. They
are tender, sensitive, deeper, painful, pus-filled lesions that cause
scarring.
The goals of acne treatment should include clearance of acne,
prevention of scarring and, morbidity minimization. Patient education is
the first and at times the most crucial step for effective acne treatment.
It is essential to dispel myths that consumption of greasy food, potato
chips, sugar and chocolates are responsible for the development of acne.
The patient must be advised to cleanse the skin gently and use a
non-comedogenic moisturizer. The patient should also avoid picking and
rubbing the skin and using scented or harsh skin products. Other important
preventive measures should include use of proper shaving technique and
being consistent with the skin care regimen. Drinking more water can also
help skin stay healthy. Evidence states that modification of the
testosterone dose; dosing schedule or delivery method helps improve acne
symptoms.
Patients with mild to severe acne can be treated with topical or oral
medicines. Although systemic therapy is mainly used for treatment of
severe acne, it is sometimes needed for moderate cases.
A variety of systemic agents used to clear acne include interlesional
corticosteroid injection, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics (tetracycline and
erythromycin) and oral contraceptives.
Azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium
sulfacetamide are the prescription topical antimicrobials used to treat
acne vulgaris in the United States. Several types of prescription topical
retinoids used to treat acne include adapalene, tazarotene, and
tretinoin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Acne provides detailed
information about acne, acne medication, acne products, and more. Acne is
affiliated with Acne
Skin Care Products.
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