ACNE
What is'Acne' ?
Acne commonly known as 'pimples' is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous unit present in the skin.
In mild to moderate cases, there may be black heads (comedones), white heads (papules) or pustules. In severe cases, there are nodules, cysts and abscess which lead to scarring if not treated on time.
Do acne normally occur in teenagers ?
Acne is more common in the age group of 13 - 30 years but it may occur or persist even beyond this age limit. Males are more frequently affected than females due to androgen activity. Females may get a pre-menstrual flare due to the increase in level of a hormone called Progesterone.
How do pimples form ?
The skin has minute glands called sebaceous glands which open into the hair follicle. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which empties into the skin surface through the hair follicle. During puberty, the male sex hormones which are normally present both in males and females are on the rise and they activate the sebaceous glands to increase in size, which in turn leads to increase in the secretion of sebum. Secondly, the cells are shed more rapidly and they stick together, plugging the opening of the hair follicle, resulting in 'white heads'. The pigment melanin in the white heads when exposed to air, forms black heads. Thirdly, bacteria especially the 'propionibacterium acne' in number and add to the formation of acne. When the follicle gets clogged, its wall ruptures. The sebum, bacteria and dead cells escape into the surrounding tissue and lead to formation of more severe form of acne in form of pustules, nodules, abscesses and cysts.
What are the factors affecting the formation of acne ?
Acne commonly occurs in people who are genetically predisposed.
Acne commonly known as 'pimples' is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous unit present in the skin.
In mild to moderate cases, there may be black heads (comedones), white heads (papules) or pustules. In severe cases, there are nodules, cysts and abscess which lead to scarring if not treated on time.
Do acne normally occur in teenagers ?
Acne is more common in the age group of 13 - 30 years but it may occur or persist even beyond this age limit. Males are more frequently affected than females due to androgen activity. Females may get a pre-menstrual flare due to the increase in level of a hormone called Progesterone.
How do pimples form ?
The skin has minute glands called sebaceous glands which open into the hair follicle. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which empties into the skin surface through the hair follicle. During puberty, the male sex hormones which are normally present both in males and females are on the rise and they activate the sebaceous glands to increase in size, which in turn leads to increase in the secretion of sebum. Secondly, the cells are shed more rapidly and they stick together, plugging the opening of the hair follicle, resulting in 'white heads'. The pigment melanin in the white heads when exposed to air, forms black heads. Thirdly, bacteria especially the 'propionibacterium acne' in number and add to the formation of acne. When the follicle gets clogged, its wall ruptures. The sebum, bacteria and dead cells escape into the surrounding tissue and lead to formation of more severe form of acne in form of pustules, nodules, abscesses and cysts.
What are the factors affecting the formation of acne ?
Acne commonly occurs in people who are genetically predisposed.
- Use of
cosmetics such as creams, oil based moisturizers, oil based foundations,
etc. can cause acne.
- Application
of heavy oil or gel on the scalp leads to pimples on the back and
forehead.
- People
who work in chemical or oil industries and come in contact with
hydrocarbons, heavy oils, cutting oil, wax, grease and coal tar
derivatives can develop acne.
- People
working in hot and humid climate can develop acne.
- Drugs
such as oral contraceptives, steroids, isoniazid, lithium, phenytoin,
iodides etc. can cause pimples.
- Squeezing
or picking at a pre-existing lesion will lead to secondary infection and
increased pigmentation.
- Stress
will exacerbate acne.
- Finally,
if acne persists in spite of medical treatment or if the patient has other
features such as or hair loss, an endocrine disorder must be considered
and investigations carried out accordingly.
What are the 'Do's and
Dont's in treatment of acne ?
- Wash
your face with an mild soap or cold water at least 3-4 times a day.
- Increase
the intake of citrus fruits such as oranges, grapes, lime and lemon and
other food stuff which are high in vitamin C and zinc.
- Drink
plenty of water.
- Do not
pick or squeeze the pimples as this causes infection, pigmentation and
scarring.
- Avoid
the use of oily cosmetics, cleansing milk and gels.
- Do not
apply excessive hair oil if you have acne over the forehead.
- Avoid
stress factors.
- Be
patient and give medicines some time to act. You may have to take
antibiotics for 8 - 10 weeks.
Treatment
For Acne and Pimples Homoeopathic
Medicines act very well with out side effect and also act an anti ageing .
For
more details & Consultation Feel free to contact us.
Vivekanantha Clinic Consultation Champers
at
Chennai:- 9786901830
Panruti:- 9443054168
Pondicherry:- 9865212055 (Camp)
For appointment please Call us or Mail Us
For appointment: SMS your Name -Age – Mobile Number - Problem in Single word -
date and day - Place of appointment (Eg: Rajini - 99xxxxxxx0 – Pimples, Acne, Mugaparu – 21st
Oct, Sunday - Chennai ), You will receive Appointment details through SMS
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