Acne Vulgaris

Acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells because of overactive sebaceous gland. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

Recommended treatment is for 1-2 years.

Depends on case to case also on the severity of lesions and treatment compliance as well. Nodular acne takes longer time for betterment. 

 

Diagnosis

Clinical diagnosis on the basis of lesions.

Symptoms

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
• Pimples (pustules)
• Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)

Acne appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.

 

Causes

• Excess oil (sebum) production
• Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells.
• Bacteria
• Inflammation

Triggering factors

• Hormonal changes. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum.
• Certain medications. Drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.
• Stress doesn't cause acne; stress may make it worse.

 

Complications

• Pitted skin (acne scars) and thick scars (keloids).
• Skin changes. Darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) skin color.
• Low self-esteem especially in teenage.  

 

Risk factors

• People of all ages can get acne, but it's most common in teenagers.
• Hormonal changes. Common during puberty or pregnancy.
• Family history. Genetics plays a role in acne.’
• Greasy or oily substances. Where skin comes into contact with oil or oily lotions and creams. (Not by eating oily food)

 

Treatment

Homeopathic medications after case taking.

Counselling about the disease.

Dos and don'ts for the respective disease.

Required 

Photos of the respective location e.g., face, back, nape of neck for future reference.