Acne Types and Treatment
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that
affects most
teenagers and many adults. It is often
viewed as a rite of passage and treated
inadequately, resulting in permanent scarring.
Good skin care is essential in the management of
acne, and many treatment options exist to reduce
the number and severity of acne outbreaks.
Acne is a condition affecting
the "pilosebaceous unit". This fancy term
refers to hair and the sebaceous gland which is
attached to it. Sebaceous glands produce a
sticky substance (sebum) to grease the hair and
skin.
When these glands are
over-active (caused by hormones), or if there is
any blockage in the channel to the skin surface,
the sebum accumulates to form a comedone
(whitehead).
If the comedone
eventually opens to the skin surface, oxidation
of the keratin plug turns it black in colour,
producing a blackhead.
Bacterial infection can
occur, causing redness and pain. This is known
as a papule.
If pus forms inside, this
becomes known as a pustule.
Sometimes the acne lesions
are very large and deep. These are known as
cysts. These are the ones that are highly
likely to cause deep scarring that is permanent.
Importance of Treating Acne
Psychological: Whether
adult or teenager, most people who suffer from
acne feel very self conscious about their
appearance. Many just don't know how to treat
it, and feel very ashamed of their poor
complexion. There is often magnification both in
size and number, so it always feels even worse
than it already is.
Hyperpigmentation:
Even after the pimple is no longer inflamed, it
can leave a dark spot in its place. The larger
and deeper the pimple was originally, the larger
and darker the discoloration. For people with
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this dark
spot can last for months before finally fading
away.
Permanent Scarring:
Squeezing and picking at pimples can increase
your risk of permanent scarring. Various types
of scars can form, ranging from soft waves to
deep ice picks. This legacy of teenage acne can
haunt an adult for the rest of his life.
The treatment of acne is thus
divided into:
-
Control of
Acute Acne
-
Treatment of
Hyperpigmentation
-
Treatment of Acne Scars
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