Managing Acne
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ACNE
Acne is a common skin condition caused by inflammation of the hair follicle and oil glands (pilosebaceous unit) giving rise to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and larger lesions called nodules and cysts.
It occurs on the face, chest and back and may cause scarring. Acne is disfiguring and the resulting depressed scars are permanent, which is why early treatment to target the process that causes it is advised.
People with acne produce more keratin which blocks drainage of oil from the oil gland. Keratin is a protein made by skin cells.
Acne sufferers also secrete excess oil as they are more sensitive to male hormones in their body. Note that ladies also have male hormones. The excess oil and keratin form plugs called whiteheads and blackheads or comedones.
Acne sufferers also have a bacteria called P. acnes which act on these comedones causing inflammation. These inflamed lesions are commonly called pimples, which are red bumps or red bumps with pus. More serious inflammation results in larger bumps called nodules and cysts.
Acne Treatment Options:
Acne Prevention
Once acne has cleared, we will recommend a maintenance plan with daily skin care and procedures to prevent further outbreaks and keep the skin clear, smooth and glowing.
A healthy balanced diet helps skin condition. A diet that includes low GI carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, lentils) can help. Avoid sugar laden food and drinks and excessive dairy products
Other tips
Do not pick or squeeze pimples. This makes inflammation worse and causes scarring.
Avoid touching your face
Keep hair away from affected areas.
Do not clean your skin more than twice a day as acne is not caused by dirt.
Acne Scars
What causes acne scars?
Inflammation in a pimple may cause it to burst and damage deeper skin tissue called the dermis. Damage to the dermis will result in scar formation.
What are the types of acne scars?
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is a dark spot left behind by a pimple. This usually fades away after a few months.
Depressed scars of which there are a few types:
- Ice pick scars which are narrow and deep,
- Box car scars which are wider and shallower
- Rolling scars in which the skin looks like it has ripples.
- Hypertrophic scars and keloids which look like lumps on the skin.
Different scars require different acne scar removal treatment. The important thing is to treat the acne in order to minimise inflammation and make it heal and prevent scars from forming. Do not squeeze pimples as this may cause it to rupture deep in the dermis and cause a scar. Laser acne scar removal is usually tricky.
Do not hesitate to receive your acne scar treatment after your acne has cleared.
Besides acne scars prevention and treatment, is there anything else we can do about the scars?
Oily Skin and Enlarged Pores
Everybody has skin pores. These are the dots on the surface of your skin and they contain a sebaceous gland which produces the skin’s oil.
Individuals with oilier skin condition tend to have pores that are more visible. Enlarged pores can also be caused by excessive exposure to sun and aging.
For more details on acne & acne scars, reach us at 6536 8393 / 6275 3381 to learn more.
