Active Acne Treatment
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. It is distressing and effects one’s confidence when it is active, characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, red inflamed pimples and pustules. Understanding active acne, with immediate intervention and with numerous treatments available can help individuals manage and reduce the impact of this condition on their lives.
Get In touch
Address:
Door No. 8-2-293/82/A/725/A, Beside FMS
INTERNATIONAL DENTAL CENTER Road No. 37,
Hitech City Rd, near Daspalla Hotel, CBI Colony,
Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033
Email: [email protected]
About Active Acne
Active acne refers to the period when the skin is experiencing an outbreak of pimples and other lesions. It is primarily caused by the clogging of hair follicles with oil, dirt and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation. This process involves several factors:
Causes of Active Acne
- Sebum Production: Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum, which lubricates the skin. Excessive production of sebum lead to clog pores and triggering acne.
- Dead Skin Cells: These cells can accumulate on the skin and mix with sebum, forming a plug that can trap bacteria inside the follicle leading to inflammatory process.
- Bacterial Growth: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a type pof bacteria that naturally resides on the skin. When trapped inside a clogged pore along with dirt and debris, it multiplies and causes inflammation.
- Hormonal Changes: Androgens, a group of hormones usually increase sebum production. This is why acne often appears during puberty, menstruation, or hormonal imbalances.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Some studies suggest that diet i.e., chocolates, diary and sugar along with stress, and lack of proper skincare can exacerbate acne.
Types of Acne
Active acne can present in various forms:
Blackheads: Open Comedones with a dark surface.
Whiteheads: Closed Comedones with a white surface.
Papules: Small red, tender bumps.
Pustules: Pimples with pus at their tips.
Nodules: Large, painful lumps beneath the skin.
Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lesions.
Treatments for Active Acne at FMS SKIN
Effective treatment for active acne involves a combination of topical and oral medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical procedures. The goal is to reduce oil production, speed up skin cell turnover, fight bacterial infection, and reduce inflammation.
Topical Treatments
- Benzoyl Peroxide: This is an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment that helps reduce bacteria and has a mild drying effect that helps prevent clogged pores. Available in various forms like gels, creams, and cleansers, benzoyl peroxide is often recommended for mild to moderate acne.
- Salicylic Acid: This Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. It is effective for both treating active acne and preventing future breakouts. Salicylic acid is available in OTC products such as cleansers and spot treatments.
- Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, retinoids such as tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene promote cell turnover and prevent the plugging of hair follicles. They are available in both OTC and prescription forms and are particularly useful for comedonal acne.
- Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics like clindamycin, erythromycin, dapsone, minocycline etc., help reduce the population of P. acnes bacteria and decrease inflammation. They are often combined with benzoyl peroxide to minimize antibiotic resistance and combined with niacinamide to reduce the drying effect.
- Azelaic Acid: This treatment helps reduce inflammation and bacterial growth while keeping pores clear. It can be particularly beneficial for patients with both acne and hyperpigmentation.
Oral Medications—
- Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline, are used for moderate to severe acne. They help reduce bacterial growth and inflammation. However, they are usually prescribed for short-term use to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Hormonal Treatments: For women, hormonal therapies such as oral contraceptives and anti-androgens (e.g., spironolactone) can be effective. These treatments help regulate hormones that contribute to acne formation.
- Isotretinoin: This potent medication is used for severe, cystic acne that has not responded to other treatments. Isotretinoin reduces the size of sebaceous glands, decreases sebum production, and prevents the formation of new comedones. It is highly effective but requires close medical supervision due to potential side effects.
Medical Procedures
- Chemical Peels: these treatments involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layers. Chemical peels like salicylic acid, black peel etc, decreases the sebum production, improves the skin texture and reduces the appearance of acne scars and active lesions.
- Laser and Light Therapy: Treatments like Blue light therapy target P. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation. Red laser therapies can reduce oil production and improve acne scars.
- Cyst Drainage and Extraction: For large cysts or nodules, a dermatologist may perform a procedure to drain and extract the contents. This can provide immediate relief and reduces the risk of scarring.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be used for severe nodular or cystic acne. They help reduce inflammation and pain and can shrink the lesions quickly.
Lifestyle and Skincare
Skincare Routine
A gentle skincare routine tailored to acne-prone skin can make a significant difference. Cleansing the skin twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser helps remove excess oil and impurities. Using non-comedogenic moisturizers to hydrate the skin and gel, non-comedogenic sunscreens for protection is crucial to avoid clogging pores.
Dietary Changes
Some studies suggest that diets high in sugar, dairy, chocolate and certain fats can exacerbate acne. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce acne severity.
Stress Management
Stress can trigger hormonal changes that worsen acne. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help manage stress levels.
Active acne can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right combination of Acne treatments, it is possible to reduce its impact significantly. A comprehensive approach that includes topical and oral medications, lifestyle modifications, and medical procedures can provide relief and improve the quality of life for those affected. Consulting with a dermatologist is essential to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to individual needs and skin types. By understanding the causes of active acne and the available treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps toward achieving clearer, healthier skin.