What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that causes a pimple outbreak. When a pore or hair follicle gets clogged with oil from the skin and bacteria grows inside, it creates blackheads or whiteheads.
Acne appears in a variety of ways. The most common types of acne include:
- Common acne (acne vulgaris): breakouts of blackheads or whiteheads; ranges from mild to severe
- Cystic acne: a condition in which firm, pus-filled spots form below the skin’s surface
- Nodular acne: nodules spread across large surfaces of skin
What triggers acne?
Hereditary factors play a role in acne formation. People whose parents had acne are more susceptible to the condition themselves, probably because they inherit an oily skin type.
Hormones, particularly testosterone, produced during puberty and after, trigger the skin to produce more oil, which promotes acne. Contraceptive use also triggers acne for some people.
Although not a direct cause of acne, stress is known to aggravate the condition. It’s a common misconception, but poor hygiene, diet, and sex drive don’t cause acne.
Exposure to oily products can also trigger acne formation. It’s essential to use non-comedogenic makeup and moisturizers to prevent oil buildup. You may also be prone to breakouts if you touch your face with your hands, use irritating hair products, or let oily hair hang in your face.
How do you treat acne?
If you have severe, uncontrollable acne and have tried over-the-counter methods, you should see Dr. Glover to discuss medical intervention.
Topical treatment
Topical acne treatments come in a variety of forms including creams, gels, and ointments. Retinoid products and topical antibiotics help moderate the underlying causes of acne, including bacteria and skin shedding.
Systemic treatment
Oral antibiotics work inside the body to clear the system of acne-promoting bacteria. Retinoids are also available in an oral form to work from the inside out. Some people respond favorably to oral contraceptives, which normalize hormone production.
In severe cases, some people use isotretinoin, a high-dose form of vitamin A which requires a dermatologist’s supervision. The drug treats all underlying causes of acne in people whose acne doesn’t respond to any other methods.
If you’re interested in learning more about effective acne treatments, make an appointment with Dr. Glover online or over the phone.
