Acne

 

ACNE

DEFINITION 

Acne is a common inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous (oil) gland. It affects almost 100% of the population in varying degrees of severity, most commonly during adolescence, and occurs on the face and upper trunk. The changing levels of the body’s sex hormones (androgens) affect the sebaceous glands during adolescence.

CAUSES

Acne develops as a result of increased sebum production with altered follicular keratinisation. These conditions encourage follicular bacteria to flourish.

In very rare instances persistent acne may be a sign of an endocrine disorder such as adrenogenital syndrome or polycystic ovaries .Certain drugs may induce or exacerbate acne, such as systemic steroids and isoniazid. Any substance which occludes the follicular orifice such as cosmetics, sunscreens and oily moisturisers is comedogenic and may exacerbate acne.

 Common acne myths dispelled –

  • Acne is due to fatty food or sweets
  • Acne is due to being dirty
  • Acne is due to ‘hormonal imbalance’
  • Acne is related to sexual behaviour

 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

 The glands on the skin mainly affected are those on the face, neck, chest and back.

 Types of lesions include –

 Comedones:

  • Whiteheads – the lining of the cells can plug the follicle and oil builds up.
  • Blackheads – when this plug reaches the skin surface. It oxidizes when exposed to air and light and turns black –               THIS IS NOT DIRT.

Papules:

These form when bacteria in the hair follicle multiply and break down the oil. They cause the follicle to become red and full of pus, making a pimple. 

In severe cases of acne, the pimples can progress and form pustules, nodules, or cysts, all which can lead to scarring.

TREATMENT

There are many options available to treat acne –

  • Creams and wipes containing sulphur or salicylic acid help to stop hair follicles from getting clogged and loosen         blackheads  and whiteheads
  • Preparations such as benzoyl peroxide creams and lotions also kill bacteria and help reduce oil on the skin
    • We recommend Benzac wash and gels

For more severe acne, your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe preparations to control acne and minimize scarring –

  • Antibiotics: applied to the skin as a lotion or gel, or taken orally as a tablet / capsule
  • Tretinoin and azelaic acid creams and gels can be applied to the skin
    • We recommend Acne Derm gel
  • Isotretinoin capsules are used in some cases for severe acne
  • For women, certain contraceptive pills may be used to control acne

Natural Alternatives:

Zinc helps maintain healthy skin, whilst Echinacea and Calendula are healing herbs.

Tea tree oil may also help by cleansing the pores to remove excess oil or dirt, and it also helps fight bacteria.

    • We recommend Blackmores Bio-Zinc or Bioglan Zinc A-Z

 Other Alternatives:

There are several self care tips to be followed to help minimise acne…

  • Gently wash face with a face wash or simple soap once or twice a day
  • Wash hair regularly
  • Use water-based moisturizers, sunscreens and make-up (ask pharmacy staff which ones are oil-free) and ensure it is        washed off at night
  • Never scratch, squeeze or pick the skin
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a low fat, nutritious diet
  • Try to avoid stress and anxiety