Different Kinds of Facial Acne and Treatments

Acne is a disorder of the pilo-sebaceous structure i.e. hair and sebaceous gland, which opens the skin surface through a pore. The sebaceous glands, which empty directly into the hair follicle, produce sebum, a lipid substance. Sebaceous glands are present over entire skin surface except the soles of feet and palms, but the largest glands are on face, scalp and scrotum. Sebum production is a response to direct hormonal stimulation by testicular androgens in men and adrenal and ovarian androgens in women.

Acne may be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Non inflammatory acne lesions are primarily comedones, more commonly called pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Inflammatory acne lesions include comedones, erythermatous pustules and cysts. Inflammation close to the skin surface results in pustules; deeper inflammation results in cysts.

Several forms of acne occur at different periods of the life span. The most common are acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and acne conglobata.

Different kinds of facial acne

Acne Vulgaris

It is the form of acne common in adolescents and young to middle aged adults. The actual cause of acne vulgaris is unknown but possible causes include androgenic influence on the sebaceous glands, increased sebum production and proliferation of the organism propionibacterium acnes.

In mild cases it may show only few scattered comedones, but severe cases are manifested by multiple lesions form on the face and neck, but they also occur on back, chest and shoulders. Women in aged between 30-40 yrs may develop popular lesion on chin and mouth. The lesions are mildly painful and may itch.

The complications of acne vulgaris include formation of cysts, pigment changes in dark skin person.

Acne Rosacea

It is chronic type of facial acne that occurs more often in middle and older adults. The cause is unknown. The lesions of acne rosacea begin with erythema over the cheeks and nose.

Over the time, the skin color changes to dark red and the pores over the area become enlarged.

Acne Conglobata

It is also a chronic type of acne that begins in middle adulthood. The cause is unknown. This includes serious skin lesions like comedons, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and scar occur primarily on face, back, buttocks and chest.

The comedones have multiple openings and a discharge that ranges from serous to purulent with foul odor.

Treatments available for Acne

The treatment of acne is based on the severity of the lesion.

·         Acne with comedones Tretinoin, Benzoyl peroxide and Azelaic acid gel are prescribed.

·         Forms of popular inflammatory acne are treated with topical clindamycin gel, oral or topical antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Minocycline.

·         Severe forms of popular inflammatory acne are treated with Isotretinoin pills.

Guidelines for Acne skincare

·         Wash the skin with a mild soap and water at least twice a day to remove accumulated oils.

·         Shampoo the hair often enough to prevent oiliness as oily hairs can cause acne.

·         Eat regular, well balanced diet and drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from body.

·         Expose your skin to sunlight but avoid sunburns.

·         Get regular exercise and sleep.

·         Do not squeeze a pimple as it may cause the pimple to become larger and infected.