Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting people worldwide, particularly during adolescence. It can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. At SkinAccess Clinics, we specialize in providing effective, tailored treatment plans to help you achieve healthy, clear skin.
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition occurring when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It commonly affects the face, chest, upper back and shoulders. While acne is most prevalent among teenagers, it can impact people of all ages. It can range from mild to severe and its impact tends to not just be physical but also emotional.
Symptoms of Acne
Acne manifests in several forms, and the symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
The most common symptoms include:
Whiteheads
Closed plugged pores
Blackheads
Open plugged pores
Papules
Small red, tender bumps
Pustules
Pimples containing pus at their tips
Nodules
Large, painful lumps beneath the skin
Cystic Lesions
Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin’s surface
The severity of symptoms can fluctuate over time, and in severe cases, acne can lead to permanent scarring.
Causes of Acne
Acne could have multifactorial causes, which means it can result from a combination of factors. Some of these include
Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil (sebum) that leads to clogged pores.
The Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria can proliferate in clogged hair follicles, causing inflammation and acne.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can trigger acne.
A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing acne.
Studies have shown that diets high in refined sugars and dairy products could exacerbate acne.
Stress doesn’t directly cause acne; however, it could aggravate it by triggering the release of hormones that increase oil production.
Diagnosis of Acne
Acne is typically diagnosed during a physical examination of the affected areas by a dermatologist. In some cases, additional tests may be required to rule out other conditions or to identify specific triggers. This is particularly done if hormonal imbalances are suspected.
Management and Treatment of Acne
Effective management and treatment require a tailored approach as acne varies from person to person. It depends on the severity and cause of the acne and the individual’s response to the treatment. At SkinAccess Clinics, we offer a range of effective treatments that we tailor to each patient’s needs
➥ Topical Treatments: These include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics that help to unclog pores, reduce oil production and target inflammation.
➥ Oral Medications: Oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies and isotretinoin may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases.
➥ Chemical Peels: Peels exfoliate the skin, reduce oil production and remove dead skin cells, helping to prevent clogged pores.
➥ Extraction Procedures: Immediate relief from certain types of acne is provided through in-office treatments that can remove blackheads and whiteheads.
➥ Lifestyle & Skincare Advice: Our dermatologists provide personalized skincare routines and advice on lifestyle changes like diet and stress management, to help control acne.