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3 Minute

26-05-2021 Team Medicover dermatology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Divya Manchala

Acne Types, Symptoms, Medication and Prevention

Acne is a common skin condition that happens when pores get blocked with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. It often appears on the face, back, shoulders, and chest. Teenagers usually get acne due to hormonal changes during puberty, but it can also affect adults. Acne can show up as blackheads, whiteheads, red pimples, or large, painful bumps. It may cause soreness, itching, or even leave scars if not treated properly.

To manage acne, it’s important to keep the skin clean, avoid touching or picking at pimples, and use the right skincare products. In some cases, doctors may recommend creams or medications. Eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water can also help. If acne becomes severe or doesn’t improve, it’s best to talk to a doctor for proper treatment.

Types of Acne

The following are common types of acne:

Acne vulgaris is a skin disease that occurs when hair follicles get clogged with dead skin cells and oil.
Papules are small red bumps on the skin.
Nodules are painful lump that contains pus.
Cystic acne is a large lump found under the skin, contains pus and is painful.
Whiteheads are tiny white bumps that have closed, clogged pores
Blackheads with open pores at the center

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Symptoms of Acne

Acne signs and symptoms may vary depending on the severity of your skin condition:

Whiteheads are tiny white bumps that have closed, clogged pores
Blackheads with open pores at the center
Papules are small, red, tender bumps filled with pus
Pimples are small, har,d inflamed spots on the skin
Pus-filled lumps or nodules under the surface of the skin

Treatment of Acne

To manage acne effectively, it's important to understand its causes and choose the right treatment based on the type and severity.

Understanding the type and cause of acne helps choose the right treatment.
Mild acne can often be treated with creams, face wash, or home remedies.
If over-the-counter products don’t work, see a dermatologist.
Early treatment helps prevent acne scars and skin damage.
Doctors may ask about health history or hormones to find the cause.
Treatment depends on age, acne type, and severity.
Pregnant women should avoid oral acne medicine without doctor advice.
Always consult a dermatologist for safe and effective treatment.

Risk Factors of Acne

Age

Acne can occur to people irrespective of their age group

Hormonal changes

It is common in women, children, girls caused by puberty or pregnancy.

Hereditary

Family History plays a vital role in acne. If both parents have acne, they are a high chance to develop it.

Greasy or oily substances

There are high chances of developing acne if skin comes into contact with oily lotion and cream.

Friction or pressure on the skin

Pressure or friction to acne-prone skin causes infection, Eg: contact with phones, helmets, tight collars, etc.

Stress

Stress may not cause acne, but if a person is already suffering from acne, it may get worse.

Medication

These are the most commonly prescribed medications for Acne:

Retinoids and retinoid-like drugs

It mostly comes as an acne cream, gels, and lotions. This can be applied in the evening, beginning three times a week, then daily as skin becomes used to it. It prevents by plugging of the hair follicles.

Antibiotics

For severe to moderate acne treatment it works by killing bacteria and reducing redness. For the initial months of treatment, you can use both a retinoid and an antibiotic, with the antibiotic applied in the morning and the retinoid in the evening. The antibiotics are mostly combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent the likelihood of developing antibiotic resistance. Example: Clindamycin with Benzoyl peroxide, Benzaclin, Duac, Acanya and Erythromycin with Benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin). Topical antibiotics alone are not recommended.

Salicylic acid and azelaic acid

Its antibacterial properties make it the most effective treatment for acne without causing damage to the skin. It also reduces redness and calms skin inflammation as pores open up and clear out. Salicylic acid helps to prevent plugged hair follicles and is available as both wash-off and leave-on products. It can be used twice a day for at least four weeks.

Dapsone

Dapsone (Aczone) 5 percent gel twice a day daily is recommended for acne infection, especially in adult females with acne. The side effects may include redness and dryness.

Benzoyl Peroxide

For mild acne, the doctor may recommend a nonprescription drug that contains benzoyl peroxide. It is believed that it kills bacteria associated with acne. It mostly takes at least four weeks to treat acne and should be used continuously.

Therapies

These therapies might be suitable in suggested in a few selected cases, either alone or it may be combined with medications.

Lasers and photodynamic therapy

This is a light-based therapy that has been tried with some success. However, further study is needed to find the ideal method, light source, and dose.

Chemical peel

This procedure includes repeated applications of a chemical solution, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoic acid. However, improvement in acne is not long-lasting and may appear again, which leads to repeat treatment.

Extraction of whiteheads and blackheads

The doctor might use special tools to gently remove whiteheads and blackheads that haven’t cleared up with topical medications. This technique may lead to a scar.

Steroid injection

Nodular and cystic lesions are treated by injecting a steroid drug directly into them. This therapy resulted in rapid improvement and less pain. Side effects may include thinning in the treated area.

Preventions

Acne prevention plays a crucial role in reducing acne by following good basic skincare, and other self-care techniques to get clear and healthy skin:

Use a mild cleanser twice a day to get rid of excess oil, dirt, and dead cells.
Try over-the-counter acne products containing (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids) to get rid of excess oil and promote peeling.
Avoid oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreen, and concealer, etc. Protect your skin from the sun.
Avoid pressure or friction on acne-prone skin, such as contact with phones, helmets, and tight collars.
Refrain from touching the acne-prone area as it can lead to more infection.
Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples. It can lead to scarring and skin infection.
Remove makeup before sleeping.
Drink more water.
Avoid Oily Food.
Keep your hair oil-free and clean as possible, and never sleep with oil on your hair.

Home Remedies For Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar can be applied to affected skin as fights many types of bacteria and acne.
Tea Tree oil for acne treatment has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the redness of pimples and kill and the bacteria that cause acne.
Jojoba Oil, the sticky substance in jojoba oil, help to repair damaged skin and speed up healing wound including acne.
Aloe vera has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the appearance of acne and prevent acne breakouts.
Honey is used to treat skin infections such as acne as it comprises many antioxidants that help to clear dirt and debris from clogged pores.
Green Tea has the antioxidant property that breaks down chemicals and waste products that can damage healthy cells and clear dirt and debris that have built up across acne sores.
Coconut Oil is an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound that destroys acne-causing bacteria compounds.

Facts and Myths on Acne

Facts on Acne:

Acne is a skin infection that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles.
Acne can occur at any age.
Acne is not a fatal disease but can leave a scar on the skin.
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
Risk factors involve genetics. The menstrual cycle, stress, and anxiety, climates, using oil-based makeup, and squeezing pimples.
Acne-prone skin needs moisturizing.
Squeezing or Popping acne can worsen the skin condition.
Steroid Injections are used to treat stubborn, large acne cysts.

Myths on Acne

Adults don’t get acne is not at all true as acne can occur at any age irrespective of age group.
Avoiding using Abrasive Products is a myth. Usage of abrasive products is good for oily skin to exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin.
Acne affects women more than men.
Acne is Contagious is a myth. However, it cannot spread from person to person.
Makeup can worsen acne is so untrue. Most people conceal their spots using makeup as it provides them self-confidence. However, it is important to choose the right products for oily and blemish-prone skin.

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Conclusion:

Acne is a common skin condition, but with the right knowledge and care, it can be managed effectively. Understanding the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options helps in choosing the best approach for your skin.

From skincare routines and medical treatments to home remedies and lifestyle changes, many solutions are available. If acne is severe or doesn’t improve, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. With proper care and early treatment, you can reduce breakouts, prevent scarring, and keep your skin healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over-cleansing, using harsh scrubs, picking pimples, heavy makeup, skipping moisturizer or sunscreen, and using pore-clogging products can make acne worse.

Use gentle cleanser, apply spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, avoid touching your face, stay hydrated, and give treatments time to work.

Prescription meds often take 4–8 weeks to show improvement. Full results might take 12 weeks. Be patient and follow your doctor’s directions.

Cystic acne causes large, painful, pus-filled lumps deep under the skin. It often needs strong treatment from a dermatologist.

You don’t have to stop, but choose non-comedogenic, oil-free makeup and clean brushes often. Remove makeup before bed and avoid heavy layers.

Stress triggers hormones that increase oil production and inflammation, which can worsen acne or cause breakouts to come back.

Hormone shifts before your period increase oil production, which clogs pores and causes breakouts in the days before menstruation.

Yes. Acne treatments clear active pimples. Scar treatments focus on healing skin texture and marks, using lasers, microdermabrasion, or creams.