Acne - Symptoms, Risk factors and Treatment

Acne, most commonly known as acne vulgaris, is a condition in which whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples appear on your skin. Mostly they occur on your face. However, they can also occur on your back, shoulders, arms, and chest. It occurs mostly in teenagers but can also affect people of other age groups. For treatment, mostly topical ones help in getting rid of it. Also, it may get better once the triggers are removed. Acne can also leave marks and scars on your skin if you treat them harshly. However, if you remain gentle to them, do not press them, they may go away on their own. Acne occurs mostly due to the clogging of pores due to dust, dirt, or bacteria. It can be accompanied by whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. 

If you have a complaint of acne, visit the dermatologist. Side by side with the medical treatment, you can also try home remedies that can help you to get rid of it by balancing the pH and oils of your skin. 

Symptoms 

The symptoms of acne may vary from person to person. For some, they may be severe, while for some, they are not. Acne vulgaris may show the following signs and symptoms

• Closed clogged pores- whiteheads
• Open clogged pores- blackheads
• Papules- small red tender bumps
• Pimples- pustules filled with pus 
• Nodules- large solid pus-filled lumps under the skin
• Cystic lesions- painful lesions or lumps filled with pus under the skin

Risk Factors

The main risk factors for acne are:

• Excess oil (sebum) production
• Hair follicles that are clogged by oil and dead skin cells
• Bacteria attack the skin
• Inflammation due to various reasons

Things that may worsen acne can be;

Stress

Stress can worsen acne. However, it does not cause it, but it can exacerbate it. 

Hormonal change

Androgens surge in boys and girls at puberty, which eventually leads to increased sebum production, may cause acne. Therefore, it is common in teenagers. Furthermore, in women it may also occur due to contraceptive use or pregnancy as they alter the hormone levels. 

Medicines 

Certain medications like corticosteroids, lithium, or hormonal drugs can worsen or exacerbate acne. 

Diet 

Processed foods and diets rich in oils and fats can also cause acne to worsen. Therefore, curtailing it may help in getting rid of it. 

Prevention 

Acne is the most common skin problem people report to dermatologists. To keep your skin free from it, follow these tips:

• Do not touch your pimples and face with dirty hands.
• Before touching your face, wash your hands.
• Do not eat oily fried foods.
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. 
• Do not squeeze your pimples.
• Keep yourself hydrated. Drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water in a day. 

Conclusion 

Acne, most commonly known as acne vulgaris, is a condition in which whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples appear on your skin. Mostly, they occur on your face. However, they can also occur on your back, shoulders, arms, and chest. It occurs mostly in teenagers but can also affect people of other age groups. For treatment, mostly topical ones help in getting rid of it. The symptoms of acne may vary from person to person. For some, they may be severe, while for some, they are not. It can also leave marks and scars on your skin if you treat them harshly. However, if you remain gentle to them, do not press them, they go away on their own.