Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.
Usually acne appears on the face but can extend to neck, chest and back also.
What are the causes of Acne?
During adolescence, there is a sudden spurt in the secretion of sex hormones that cause increased formation of oils (sebum) from the sebaceous glands of the skin.
Sebaceous glands are secretory glands that open into hair follicles and skin pores. There is accumulation of oily secretions from the sebaceous glands due to blockage of the external pores in the skin. Consequently, the oils and dead skin cells are trapped, and form small ‘plugs’ known as ‘comedones’ within the hair follicles of the skin. Bacteria act on these plugs aggravating the infection and causes the inflammation of the skin eruptions.
The plug causes the hair follicle to bulge causing white heads and if the top of the plug is darkened, it becomes blackheads. If the plug causes the wall of the follicle to rupture, the oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria found normally on the surface of the skin can enter the skin and form small infected areas called pustules also known as pimples or ‘zits’.
Family history of acne can also contribute to the development of acne.
Other hormonal changes, can occur with menstrual periods, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or stress and can aggravate acne.
What are the symptoms of Acne?
Acne appears as rash on the face or neck. This rash can become a red and painful pustule.
Presence of white heads and black heads can also lead to inflammation. Inflammation can be formed around the skin lesions.
How can we diagnose Acne?
Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the skin. Normally no tests are required.
How can Acne be treated?
Prevention : Treatment is designed to prevent formation of new lesions and aid the healing of the old lesions.
Medicines : That dry up the oil or promote skin peeling is applied on the affected part of skin. Antibiotics are applied if the acne is infected.
Surgical intervention : If the acne does not heal after a few days and produces cysts surgical intervention including professional (chemical) skin peeling, removal of eruptions, scars and removal or drainage of cysts is done.
Common facts about Acne
Acne appears as white or red bumps and are painful to touch.
Whiteheads are formed due to trapped oil and debris within the hair follicles of the skin.
If whiteheads are formed in the deeper layers, a soft, fluctuant mass called a cyst appears.
Blackheads are open and dark in colour. This is due to melanin pigment and not dirt.
The plugged wall of the follicle ruptures on to the skin surface, and can get infected by bacteria and form pimples or ‘zits’.
Small red bumps are called papules. Larger red bumps are called nodules.
A pustule is a whitish yellow squeezable spot due to the accumulation of pus inside. After the lesions heal, they leave behind scars that form permanent marks on the skin.
Home remedies for prevention of pimples
The tendency to develop acne is inherited. Although acne cannot be prevented, careful cleanliness can help to lessen the effects.
Clean the skin gently but thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt or make-up.
Use a clean cloth to dry the face every day to prevent bacterial re-infection.
Use steam or warm, moist compresses to open up clogged pores.
Use topical astringents to remove excess oil.
Don’t squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub lesions. These activities can increase skin damage.
Wash your hands before and after caring for skin lesions to reduce the chance of infection.
Identify and avoid anything that aggravates acne. This may include oily foods, lotions, make-up, and so on. Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams, which can aggravate acne.
Stress can add to the acne problem.
Frequently asked questions about Pimples:
Is it painful and contagious?
Acne can become painful but it is not contagious.
Will it leave scars?
Acne can leave scars if they are squeezed or pricked.
Are only teenagers affected by pimples?
No. Acne can be developed in any age though teenagers get it more frequently.
Glossary
Sebaceous glands : Secretory glands of skin that open into hair follicles and skin pores and are widely distributed on the body.
Sebum : Oily secretions of the sebaceous glands.
