Ten tips for managing acne
ACNE VULGARIS is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the hair follicle and its attached sebaceous gland. The four main factors that cause it include excess sebum (oil) from increased hormonal stimulation, plugging of the hair follicle, bacteria and inflammation. It can cause a number of lesions, including blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), pustules, papules and nodules (solid bumps) and cysts. It is the most common skin condition presenting to dermatologists. Here are some tips for treating acne.
1. Mild acne can be treated with products applied to the skin, containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (2.5 per cent - five per cent), sulphur and/or salicylic acid (0.5 - two per cent), vitamin A deriatives called retinoids, azelaic acid (15 -20 per cent), dapsone, and topical antibiotics like clindamycin. Some of these products may be irritating, so start with lower concentrations and be careful when combining products. It is best to choose gentle cleansers when using other acne treatments.
2. If tolerated, exfoliating (deep-cleaning) cleansers and toners/astringents can be used. Regular bathing soaps and blue ‘cake’ soaps are not recommended. Scrubs should ideally not be used more than once weekly.
3. Oil-free (non-comedogenic) sunscreens should be used, since acne treatments can make the skin more sensitive to the sun and since the sun can make dark spots darker. Oil-free moisturizers may be needed to counteract the dryness resulting from acne treatment.
4. Avoid make-up containing oil. If you wear make-up, check the label to see that the product is oil-free. You should also avoid using hair products which contain oil, as these may clog pores in the skin and cause or worsen acne.
5. Do not use very strong steroid creams/ointments on the face to treat acne or dark spots. They are a popular ingredient in many harmful bleaching creams which can cause bad acne breakouts, thinning of the skin, prominent blood vessels, stretch marks and poor wound healing, among other things.
6. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, picking or squeezing the skin. Squeezing acne lesions can often cause them to go deeper, potentially causing dark spots and scarring. You should also avoid hot, humid conditions where possible as this can worsen acne.
7. Some studies have shown that diets high in sugar and dairy products can possibly worsen acne in some people. If you notice that this is so for you, you can reduce the amount of these foods in your diet. 8. If acne is not controlled with topical products, possibly oral medications can be prescribed for you. These include antibiotics, retinoids and hormonal treatment for women. Acne treatment may take at least eight weeks to give good results. There is no permanent cure, so maintenance treatment is required to keep acne controlled. Most teens outgrow acne in young adulthood, but adults and even newborns can also be affected with acne.
9. Optional procedures to help treat acne include facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, injectable treatments (into deeper lumps), light therapy and lasers. Your dermatologist can also recommend treatment for complications of acne, such as dark spots, scarring and keloids. If acne is causing severe psychological problems, then psychological help may also be needed.
10. Acne can cause significant emotional problems, so try to keep feeling positive about yourself, inside and out.