Acne is a very common skin condition that causes pimples. Most often, pimples appear on the face, but they can also appear on other parts of the body. The most common cause is clogged pores. Teenagers and young adults are the ones who most often get acne, but it can also occur in adulthood for many people. However, there are treatments available for both acne and the scars left behind by pimples.
The dermatologists on the Digital Clinics platform have proven experience in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating skin conditions. If you are experiencing the conditions described in this article, don’t let things get out of hand. It’s very easy to schedule an online consultation with one of our dermatologists.
Acne is a common skin condition in which the skin’s pores become clogged. Blocked pores cause blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples. Pimples are bumps on the skin that are filled with pus, and are sometimes painful. The medical term for this condition is acne vulgaris.
There are several types of acne, including:
Fungal acne occurs when yeast builds up in your hair follicles.
Cystic acne causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules. These can cause scarring.
Hormonal acne affects adults who have an overproduction of sebum that clogs their pores.
Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of the skin and tender, nodular bumps under the skin.
All of these forms of acne can affect your self-esteem, and both cystic acne and nodular acne can lead to permanent skin damage in the form of scars. It's best to seek help from a dermatologist so they can determine the best treatment option for you.
Acne usually affects everyone at some point in their lives. It's most common among teenagers and young adults who are going through hormonal changes, but acne can also occur in adulthood. Adult acne is more common in women. You may be at a higher risk of developing acne if you have a family history of acne (genetics).
If you have acne, know that you're not alone. Acne is the most common skin condition that people face. It's estimated that 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will have at least some mild form of acne in their lifetime.
The most common places where acne develops are:
Oil glands are found all over the body, but the common locations for acne are where the glands are most active.
Acne symptoms include:
Pus-filled bumps (papules).
Small, discolored bumps, often reddish-purple or darker than the natural skin tone.
Clogged pores with a black top.
Clogged pores with a white top.
Large, painful bumps under the skin.
Painful, fluid-filled bumps (pus) under the skin.
Acne can be mild and cause a few occasional pimples, or it can be moderate and cause inflammatory papules. Severe acne causes nodules and cysts.
What causes acne?
Clogged pores or hair follicles cause acne. Hair follicles are small tubes that hold a strand of hair. There are several glands that drain into hair follicles. When there is too much sebum in a hair follicle, it becomes clogged. Pores can become clogged with:
When pores become clogged, the substances block the hair follicle, creating a pimple. This triggers inflammation, which you feel as pain and swelling. You can also see inflammation through skin discoloration, such as redness around a pimple.
Certain things in your environment contribute to acne or can worsen an acne breakout, including:
Some studies link certain foods and diets to acne, such as:
While diets high in sugar can lead to acne breakouts, chocolate is not directly linked to acne.
To reduce your risk of acne, choose a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help reduce inflammation.
Acne is largely a hormonal condition driven by the androgen hormone (testosterone). This usually becomes active during the teenage and young adult years. You may also notice that acne forms during menstruation as a result of hormonal activity. Sensitivity to this hormone – combined with surface bacteria on the skin and substances released by the body’s glands – can lead to acne.
Diagnosis and tests
A dermatologist can diagnose acne during a skin exam. In a dermatology consultation, your doctor will closely examine your skin to learn more about your symptoms. In addition, your doctor may ask about risk factors for acne, such as:
A dermatologist can diagnose and treat acne.
Dermatologists classify acne by severity:
There are several ways to treat acne. Each type of treatment varies depending on your age, the type of acne, and its severity. A dermatologist may recommend taking oral medications, using topical medications, or using drug therapies to treat your skin. The goal of acne treatment is to stop new pimples from forming and to heal existing blemishes on your skin.
If you have acne, you can start a home skin care routine by:
If your home skin care routine isn't effective in treating your acne, see a dermatologist.
You can’t completely prevent acne, especially during hormonal changes, but you can reduce your risk of developing acne by:
Acne can cause mental health problems because it affects your appearance and self-esteem. Often, acne develops out of control because your hormones are the cause. This can cause stress, which can influence future breakouts. Acne can be a challenge for teens and young adults. If your acne makes you feel anxious or prevents you from participating in social activities with friends and family, talk to a dermatologist or a mental health professional (psychotherapist).
If you are facing this problem, we recommend that you consult one of our dermatologists here, who have proven experience in treating this type of condition.
