When To Seek Medical Advice
If you have mild acne, speak to a pharmacist about medicines to treat it.
If these do not control your acne, or it’s making you feel very unhappy, see a GP.
You should see a GP if you have moderate or severe acne or you develop nodules or cysts, as they need to be treated properly to avoid scarring.
Try to resist the temptation to pick or squeeze the spots, as this can lead to permanent scarring.
Treatments can take up to 3 months to work, so do not expect results overnight. Once they do start to work, the results are usually good.
What Are The Best Acne Treatments
Mild or moderate acne can often be treated at home. Home treatments to prevent or treat acne include:
- Wash twice daily and after sweating and rinse with lukewarm water
- Use gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and apply with fingertips
- Dont scrub the skin and avoid washcloths or sponges that can irritate the skin
Acne medications and treatments depend on the type of breakout you have.
When Is Surgery Used For Acne Scarring
If you have scarring, your dermatologist may suggest surgery to help heal acne lesions and remove scarring. A laser can reshape scar tissue and reduce redness. Dermabrasion is a type of surgery that can remove surface scars and reduce the depth of deep scars. Another option is to transfer fat from one part of the body to the face. In some cases, a single treatment can help scarring. But for lasting results, several are often needed. There are also topical treatments for acne scarring.
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Acne : What Are The Different Types Of Acne
by Nadine Shemilt, Miss Facial Clay Masks | Last updated Jul 20, 2020 | Published on Jun 23, 2020 | FAQ |
Growing up for some reason not a lot of people around me were suffering from acne. That made me feel like the odd one out all the time. People would constantly ask about my condition and why I dont do anything about it. Yup.
But as it turns out, acne is not uncommon.
Actually acne is the 8th most common disease of the world.
Affecting almost 10% of the planets population. Thats a huge number and there is no reason for us to feel odd about it.
Things You Can Try If You Have Acne
These self-help techniques may be useful:
- Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
- Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
- Do not try to “clean out” blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
- Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics. Use water-based products that are described as non-comedogenic. This means the product is less likely to block the pores in your skin.
- Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
- If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.
- Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
- Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.
Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment.
If you develop mild acne, it’s a good idea to speak to a pharmacist for advice.
Several creams, lotions and gels for treating spots are available to buy from pharmacies.
Products containing a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide may be recommended, but be careful as this can bleach clothing.
If your acne is severe or appears on your chest and back, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or stronger creams that are only available on prescription.
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Types Of Acne Blemishes
Acne refers to the appearance of blemishes, or small, inflamed bumps, on the surface of the skin. Acne typically appears on the face, chest, or back but can also appear in other places. It affects millions of people, regardless of age, ethnicity, skin type, and gender.
All acne blemishes start the same way: Pores, which are tiny openings in the skin where hair emerges, become clogged with oil produced by glands connected to these pores. For this reason, people who have overactive oil glands may be more likely to have acne. Hormones can also cause excess oil production, which is why so many teenagers are affected. But acne can persist well into adulthood. For example, hormonal changes related to menstruation or menopause can cause acne in women, and stress, anxiety, or depression may lead to breakouts or make them worse.
There are many types of acne blemishes, and just as many causes for their formation. Some develop simply because of oil trapped beneath the surface of the skin, whereas others form or worsen as a result of a bacterial infection in the pore.
Can Acne Cause Scars
Acne does sometimes result in scarring. It happens when the acne penetrates the skin and damages the deeper layers. Inflammation makes the acne pores swell and breakdown occurs in the wall of the pore. Scarring can, of course, be a source of anxiety, which is normal. But before it can be treated, your healthcare provider will determine what type of acne caused the scars.
There are several available treatment options. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, microneedling and surgery can all be used to treat acne scars.
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How To Treat Whiteheads
Whiteheads may be slightly more difficult to treat with OTC medications than blackheads because the pores top is closed. Try skincare products with salicylic acid to unclog the pore or on-the-spot acne treatment products with benzoyl peroxide. If those dont work, use topical retinoids prescribed by your doctor.
The 6 Types Of Acne & What To Do About Them
When it comes to getting rid of acne, it helps to know which type you have as there are different ways of tackling them.
In general, there are six types of acne and it’s possible to have more than one type at any one time.
These six types fall under two main umbrellas – non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.
Lets take a closer look at them!
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What Are The Symptoms Of Acne
Acne can be found almost anywhere on your body. It most commonly develops on your face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders.
If you have acne, youll typically notice pimples that are white or black. Both blackheads and whiteheads are known as comedones.
Blackheads open at the surface of your skin, giving them a black appearance because of oxygen in the air. Whiteheads are closed just under the surface of your skin, giving them a white appearance.
While whiteheads and blackheads are the most common lesions seen in acne, other types can also occur. Inflammatory lesions are more likely to cause scarring of your skin. These include:
- Papules are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
- Pustules are small red pimples that have pus at their tips.
- Nodules are solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin.
- Cysts are large lumps found beneath your skin that contain pus and are usually painful.
How Do I Get Rid Of Inflammatory Acne
Some over-the-counter cleansers and creams can help reduce inflammatory acne. But many people need treatment from a healthcare provider to clear and prevent these breakouts.
Some inflammatory acne treatments go on your skin , some are oral medications and some are extraction procedures.
Topical acne anti-inflammatory products include:
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Does Poor Hygiene Cause Acne
It is a myth that women get acne because they don’t wash enough. Too much washing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse. And washing away surface oils doesn’t do much to prevent or cure acne, because it forms under the skin. The best way to clean the face is to gently wash it twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.
Are There Any Home Remedies For Blackheads
There are a few home remedies that may help treat blackheads:
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can prevent or stop the growth of bacteria. Apply a small amount of tea tree oil to a cotton applicator and rub it on your blackheads.
- Sugar or salt scrubs: Sugar and salt scrubs scratch away dead cells on the surface of your skin. Wet your face, apply a salt or sugar scrub to your affected areas and massage your skin in small, circular motions for up to 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when youre finished.
- Green tea: Wet green tea leaves can help reduce oil production in your skin. Green tea is also an antioxidant. Mix dry green tea leaves with water and massage the wet leaves into your skin in small, circular motions for up to 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when youre finished.
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Types Of Acne: Different Types Of Acne Explained
Medically reviewed by Katelyn Hagerty, FNP
As far as skin conditions go, theres almost no escaping an acne breakout at some point in your life.
Affecting around 9.4 percent of the global population, acne is the most common, unbiased skin condition there is, affecting children, teenagers and adults alike.
Acne also comes in a few different classifications, ranging from mild or moderate to severe, and treatment is, of course, heavily dependent on which kind of acne you have.
We’ll be taking a squeeze at the different forms of acne, what causes this skin condition and the different treatment options available to manage its appearance.
Should You Squeeze Whiteheads
Popping whiteheads can be very tempting and satisfying. However, it would be best if you didnt squeeze your whiteheads. Squeezing whiteheads can cause several problems:
- You may introduce bacteria into the whitehead opening. Bacteria can cause an infection.
- You may irritate your skin. Your skin is sensitive, and your nails are much stronger than your skin. When you use your nails to apply a lot of pressure to your skin to pop a whitehead, you can cause inflammation.
- You may scar your skin. You can seriously damage your skin if you apply too much pressure. If your whiteheads are deep in your skin, you may not even extract them.
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What Is This Medicine
TETRACYCLINE is a tetracycline antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME: Emtet-500, Panmycin, Sumycin
Which Treatment Is Right For My Acne Type
When searching for the right treatment option for the kind of acne you have, you should keep three things in mind: your skin type, your skin goal, and skincare ingredients.
Our line of vegan skincare routines are designed to suit your unique skin type to help you better treat breakouts, or simply even out or brighten your complexion.
We recommend the Clear Skin Routine for mild to moderate acne.
This simple 3-step routine is clinically proven to clear breakouts. Its designed to treat your skin with the kindness you deserve and improve your overall skin health without harsh chemicals or toxins.
You can experience clearer skin in as little as two weeks.
Whats more, our selection of skin routine products are carefully constructed with 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free ingredients so you can feel great about your skin routine, and look great, too. Each of our products uses our signature Floralux® complexan improved chlorophyll formula thats designed to nourish the skin while fighting off acne-causing bacteria.
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Key Points About Acne
- Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
- Acne may happen when the pores gets clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Bacteria that are normally on the skin may also get into the clogged pore.
- Most teens and young adults between 11 and 30 years old will have acne at some point.
- Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines are available to treat acne.
- Acne can have an emotional effect. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Scarring can result from severe or long-term acne.
What Are The Types Of Acne
Acne causes several types of lesions, or pimples. Some types:
- Stay under the skin and produce a white bump .
- Reach the surface of the skin and open up .
- Appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch.
- Are topped by white or yellow pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base.
- Are large, painful solid lesions that are deep within the skin.
- Cause deep, painful, pus-filled lesions.
Doctors believe that one or more of the following can lead to acne:
- Too much oil in the pore.
- Buildup of dead skin cells in the pore.
- Growth of bacteria in the pore.
The following factors may make it more likely for you to develop acne:
- Hormones.
The following do not cause acne, but may make it worse.
- Certain foods.
- Pressure from sports helmets, tight clothes, or backpacks.
- Pollution and high humidity.
- Procedure to remove the acne when other treatments are not helpful.
- Superficial chemical peels that a doctor applies to remove the outermost layers of the skin.
- Surgical procedures to help treat and repair scarring.
The following doctors may diagnose and treat acne:
- Dermatologists, who specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.
- Primary health care providers, including family doctors, internists, or pediatricians.
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Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
The American Academy of Dermatology has evidence-based guidelines on the management of acne. Hence all healthcare workers including the primary care provider and nurse who manage acne must know these guidelines and how to stratify treatment. If the healthcare worker decides to use an oral contraceptive to manage acne, then they should follow the guidelines established by the WHO. Finally, determining the type of bacteria causing acne is only of academic importance and should not alter the treatment of acne.
If the acne is severe, then a consult with a dermatologist is highly recommended. The pharmacist should be fully aware of the adverse effects of medications especially isotretinoin and its potential teratogenic effects. The pharmacist should never dispense retinoids to a female of childbearing age without first speaking to the dermatologist. The pharmacist should educate the patient on the potential teratogenic effects of retinoids and adhere to the iPLEDGE risk management program. Dermatology and plastic surgery nurses are involved in patient and family education, monitoring of response to therapy, and provide feedback to the team.
Outcomes
For the most part, most patients have a good outcome after treatment. But in many patients, acne does leave residual scars. These can be avoided by educating the patient on not manipulating the lesions and seeking timely care. Once established, the treatment of acne scars is not optimal.
What You Can Do Now
Its important to be patient with your acne treatment. While some treatments may work immediately, you may not see widespread improvement for several months You should also use caution in using too many acne products at once this can cause dry skin. In response, your pores can create more sebum, then leading to more acne issues.
You should also confirm whether any bumps or swelling are actually the result of acne. There are several skin conditions that cause symptoms similar to those with acne, though they are something entirely different. These include:
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When To See A Dermatologist
You will find it helpful to see a dermatologist if you:
-
Plan to use a non-prescription acne product for the first time and worry about having a possible allergic reaction.
-
Have had a serious allergic reaction .
At the beginning of this appointment, be sure to explain your concerns. Your dermatologist can talk with you about other options for treating acne. During the appointment, you can also learn how to self-test acne products at home. This will tell you whether your skin reacts. If your skin reacts, you could develop an allergic reaction.
Do Blackheads Go Away On Their Own
Blackheads can sometimes go away on their own it depends on how deep blackheads are in your skin. If a blackhead is close to the surface of your skin, its more likely to go away on its own. However, some blackheads can be deeply embedded in your skin. Deep, embedded blackheads are less likely to go away on their own. If you have embedded blackheads, a dermatologist or medical aesthetician can remove them.
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