By Ms Lew Hui Li & Ms Chong Hui Ying
Acne or acne vulgaris is a skin condition that occurs when a pore get clogged with dead skin cells, oils and a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Acne is triggered by many factors:
- Poor hygiene
- Wrong skin care products
- Unhealthy diet
Non Inflammatory Acne Types (Less severe)
Usually do not cause swelling and are not painful.
Examples: Whiteheads/Close comedones; Blackheads/Open comedones
Inflammatory Acne Types (More severe)
It is more likely to cause complications such as scarring or pitting.
Examples: Papules; Pustules; Nodules; Cysts
Treatment- Mild Acne
Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as gels, soaps, pads, creams, and lotions, that are applied to the skin. OTC acne remedies may contain the following active ingredients:
- Resorcinol: helps break down blackheads and whiteheads
- Benzoyl peroxide: kills bacteria, accelerates the replacement of skin, and slows the production of sebum
- Salicylic acid: assists the breakdown of blackheads and whiteheads and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Retin-A: helps unblock pores through cell turnover
- Azelaic acid: strengthens cells that line the follicles, stops sebum eruptions, and reduce bacteria growth.
Treatment- Moderate Acne
A skin specialist, or dermatologist, can treat more severe cases.
- Corticosteroid injection: help prevent scarring, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing.
- Oral antibiotics: combat the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation, erythromycin and tetracycline are commonly prescribed for acne
- Oral contraceptives: help control acne in women by suppressing the overactive gland.
- Topical antimicrobials: reduce P. acnes (example: clindamycin)
- Retinoic acid derivatives: unclog pores and prevent whitehead and blackhead from developing (example: adapalene, tretinoin)
Prevention and Management Tips
This doesn’t just mean drink a lot of water. Must use a suitable moisturizer to keep skin hydrated.
|NEGLET YOUR HEALTH |
Maintaining good mental and physical health always contribute to more healthier skin.
|KEEP GOOD HYGIENE |
Wash your pillow cases and clean spectacles regularly as they collect sebum and skin residues. Also must wash hands before touching your face.
|OVER CLEANSE |
Wash your face not more than twice each day by using mild soap. Over-cleanse it or using facial cleanser with strong cleansing effect will strip your face.
|TAKE HIGH FIBER FOOD |
Green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids are helpful in acne.
|TAKE HIGH GLYCEMIC INDEX DIET |
Food rich in sugar, carbohydrate and milk is known to increase acne.
|USE SUNSCREEN |
Sun, heat and humidity can cause oil glands to be overactive which lead to breakouts. Must choose oil free non-comedogenic physical sunscreens.
|PICK, POKE OR POP|
This will increase the risk of infections, scarring and make your acne take longer to heal.
|CONSULT A DERMATOLOGIST OR PHARMACIST |
Expertise of medical professionals can help to uncover source of acne and develop a treatment plan that best suitable for you.
|DITCH MEDICATION TOO SOON |
It can takes up to 8 weeks before some prescribed medication has an effect on your acne. Therefore it’s important to resist the urge of quit the medication too soon.