Acne is a common skin condition. It is also known as acne vulgaris in medical terms. Certain symptoms indicate the skin condition, such as blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, or pimples. The favourite spots for the flare-ups are the back upper, arms, face, neck, shoulders, and chest. Over-the-counter medications can help you get rid of mild pimples. However, for severe and chronic pimples, you may need to contact a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin diseases.
Using duac gel, salicylic acid, oral contraceptives, or antibiotics can help treat acne. Nevertheless, always consult with your doctor before using any treatment.
Acne lesions or a comedon is a hair follicle, which is blocked by dead skin cells and oil. They appear in a lump. Moreover, certain products can trigger zits. They are known as called comedogenic. You can look for non-comedogenic cosmetic products.
They do not trigger blackheads and whiteheads. Moreover, they do not choke the pores.
Blackheads
Blackheads are zits that are not closed at the skin surface. They result because of the clogging of pores by the dead skin cells and surplus oil. Dirt does not turn them black. The uneven dazzling from the blocked pores brings the black hue.
Over-the-counter medications can ease these types of acne. Nevertheless, consult with your doctor before using any treatment.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are the bumps that are open at the skin surface. They take place when the skin cells and oil stop the hair follicles from being unwrapped. Many of the OTC drugs that help treat blackheads can also work against whiteheads.
Cysts
Cysts seem like boils. However, they are hefty and flux-filled comedones. You should reach out to a dermatologist if you have cysts. Similar to nodules, they can also cause blemishes. Cysts are painful and considered severe kinds of acne.
Papules
Comedones also include papules. They are tiny inflamed bumps over the skin, generally of red or pink color. This sort of pimples pains when you touch them. Moreover, do not squeeze or press the papules. They may cause scars and worsen the inflammation.
Pustules
Pustules are also a type of red-looking pimples. They look like a whitehead but have a red ring around the lumps. Do not squeeze or pinch the pustules. It can cause scarring and leave dark spots on the face.
Nodules
These types of acne are firm and have large bumps. Inflammation may also occur in the case of nodules. They build up deep under the skin and are generally aching. Over-the-counter treatments may not work for nodules.
However, prescription drugs can help reduce outbursts. Consult with a dermatologist for nodules treatment as they have cause scarring.
In addition to these forms of skin conditions, they are also divided on the basis of severity-
Mild acne
Acne is called mild when people have less than 20 blackheads or whiteheads, less than 15 inflamed bulges, or less than 30 comedones.
You can treat mild pimples with over-the-counter treatments like duac gel, salicylic acid, sulphur, and alcohol. However, you may need to wait for around 8 weeks to see satisfactory results.
Moderate acne
Acne is called moderate if people have 15-30 inflamed lumps, 20-100 blackheads or whiteheads, or 30-125 comedones. Experts of skin diseases generally prescribe prescription drugs if you have medium or chronic zits.
Your skin condition may get poor before it is improved or treated. Moreover, the treatments may take various weeks to work against the disease.
Severe Nodulocystic Acne
People who have severe Nodulocystic acne develop various nodules and cysts together. These types of pimples may become purple or red. They can also cause blemishes. However, a timely healing procedure by a skincare specialist can help diminish the risk of scarring.
Sometimes, a doctor may instil steroids into the cysts and nodules to minimize their dimensions and the throbbing swelling.
Acne Mechanica
Acne Mechanica is another name for acne brought on by physical activity. It is because it occurs due to wearing baseball caps or helmets. Another cause of this skin disease is pressure or friction over skin or heat. Doctors suggest wearing porous stuff under the sports accessories. Moreover, consider taking a shower after the sports activities.
Acne Conglobata
It is the most chronic kind of pimples. Under this condition, the swollen nodules are linked with other nodules beneath the skin. Acne Conglobata can occur on the arms, neck, buttocks, or chest. Men are more prone to have this skin condition.
It may sometimes be a result of using testosterone and steroids. Immediately reach out to a dermatologist if you have acne Conglobata.
What is the most effective acne treatment?
Over-the-counter medications can ease off mild acne. However, it is advised to consult with your doctor before using any treatment. For moderate to chronic skin conditions, reach out to a skin care specialist. He or she may prescribe well-working treatment methods for your healing. Some of the effective treatments are-
Systemic therapy
Systemic therapy involves using antibiotics such as minocycline, erythromycin, tetracycline, and doxycycline. These drugs kill the acne-causing bacteria and relieve the inflammation. Moderate to severe zits can be treated with systemic therapy. Moreover, other remedies may also comprise oral contraceptives and can be used by women.
Topical therapy
This acne remedy is used directly on the skin. They include gels and creams. Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or duac gel, resorcinol, and sulphur are the components of over-the-counter drugs that can help treat mild pimples. Moreover, prescription medications like retinoid or antibacterial creams can ease off medium to severe acne conditions. Dermatologists suggest using them alone or in combination with other components.
Diet also plays a vital role while you are undergoing any treatment. For zits, you need to cut off certain foodstuffs and drinks to support your healing procedure and prevent acne from reviving back. Your doctor may tell you the dietary factors to avoid. However, you can also consider the following-
- Avoid eating dairy products and chocolates
- Cut off refined grains such as sodas, bread, sweeteners, white rice, and pasta from your diet
- Stay away from fast foods
- Eliminate foods containing omega-6 fatty fats and ones that can cause you allergy from your plate
