Acne is a skin condition of hair follicles and their associated sebaceous glands. It shows up on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, shoulders These areas of skin have more oil [sebaceous gland].

Factors triggering Acne

Hormonal changes during adolescence play a crucial role in the development of both physical and emotional characteristics of a human. During this period, body experiences a surge in hormones like testosterone and estrogen and can lead to acne. Menstruation in women is another time when hormonal change is common, and acne is triggered.

Some medications, especially those containing cortico-steroids, testosterone, and lithium, can trigger acne.

Diet: consuming oily and junk food, carbohydrate rich food like bread, chips, high sugar diet, cow’s milk, peanuts, and other processed snacks, sugary beverages, fast food options, excessive amounts of sweets, fried items, and low-nutrient foods. Additionally large quantities of sugary cereals and pastries, processed meats, and frequent snacking on candy and chips can further contribute to an unhealthy diet and can lead to acne.

Other factors: menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and genetics can cause acne. Also, certain skin care products can trigger acne. A common trigger can be not cleaning off your make-up properly.

Types of Acne

ACNE ROSACEA: It is a condition that causes redness with small red pus-filled bumps on face. Mostly seen in middle-aged women with fair skin.

ACNE VULGARIS: It is the most common variant of acne. It can be inflammatory or  non-inflammatory. It affects mostly on areas with dense sebaceous follicles for example on face, upper part of chest, and upper back. There are multiple variations for this type of acne.

Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Blackheads are non-inflammatory lesions known as open comedones. They appear as small, dark dots, often concentrated around the nose area. This type of acne occurs when skin pores and hair follicles become clogged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Unlike other forms of acne, blackheads are not inflamed, making them easier to treat with regular exfoliation and cleansing.

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

In contrast to blackheads, whiteheads are closed comedones. They manifest as small white bumps protruding from the skin and can occur anywhere on the face. Whiteheads develop when pores are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Since these pores are closed, whiteheads can be more challenging to treat and often require targeted topical treatments to reduce their appearance.

Papules

Papules are small, raised bumps on the skin that occur when the walls of pores break down due to severe inflammation. These tender bumps may appear pink and feel sensitive to the touch. Papules can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and gentle skin care routines to reduce redness and promote healing.

Pustules

Similar to papules, pustules are formed when the walls around pores break down, but they are filled with pus. These red bumps often have a yellow or white head on top and can appear anywhere on the body. Pustules are contagious, so it’s essential to avoid picking or popping them. Treatment typically involves topical antibiotics or other acne medications to reduce inflammation and bacteria.

Nodules or Nodular Acne

Nodular acne occurs when clogged pores suffer further irritation, leading to the formation of hard, long-lasting lumps deep within the skin. These nodules can be painful and often require more intensive treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or oral medications, to effectively manage.

Cysts

Cysts are a severe form of acne that occurs due to the clogging of pores by bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells. They manifest as large, painful bumps, often red or white, and can lead to scarring. Treatment options may include drainage and surgical intervention in severe cases.

Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is particularly common in adolescent males and is caused by increased levels of testosterone after puberty. This type of acne occurs when sebaceous glands become blocked and infected, leading to significant inflammation. Cystic acne can appear on the face, chest, and upper back and may lead to permanent scarring if not treated promptly. It is also contagious, so managing this condition with the help of a dermatologist is crucial.

Conclusion

Understanding the various types of acne is the first step in finding effective treatments. Whether you’re dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, or more severe forms like cysts, there are various approaches to help manage and reduce their appearance.