A pimple is a form of acne (pronounced arkni). Is there a difference
between acne and pimples? Yes. Acne is the skin condition, while pimple is just
a type of acne (a milder form). Majority of teenagers at one time or the other
have had their fair share of this skin condition. Most people wonder, what
causes acne? How can it be prevented? How can it be treated?
Well these are the
questions i will address in this post.
What is acne?
Acne is an inflammation
(inflammation is simply a mechanism the body uses to fight foreign agents. Just
like in war, there are casualties on both sides) of the skin in which the
secreted sebum gets collected in the pores of the skin and gets trapped there.
This causes the skin to elevate. If its acne, it will
most likely be painful to touch. If it’s a pimple, it is not painful unless it
is too severe.
The reason for both skin conditions is the same – blocked skin
pores. They are commoner in oily skin types, because, the skin secretes more
sebum and is more likely to have deposits of sebum on the skin.
What causes acne
(pimples)?
The oil producing part of the skin
is called sebaceous gland, and the oil they produce is called sebum. These glands
are found
throughout all areas of the skin except the palms of the hands and soles of the
feet. There are two types of sebaceous gland, those connected to hair follicles (the part
of the skin that produces hair) and those that exist independently. When the outer layers
of skin shed (as they do continuously), the dead skin cells left behind may
become 'glued' together by the sebum (when produced excessively). This causes a blockage in the pores,
especially when the skin becomes thicker at puberty. The sebaceous glands
produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage, and this sebum harbors
various bacteria including the species Propionibacterium acnes, causing
infection and inflammation.
Genetics is thought to be the cause
in 80% of cases. Acne primarily affects skin with a greater number of oil
glands, including the face, upper part of the chest, and back. During puberty,
in both sexes, acne is often brought on by an increase in androgens such as testosterone.
Excessive growth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which is
normally present on the skin, is often involved.
How can it be
prevented?
Practicing good hygiene, including regularly
washing skin areas with neutral cleansers, can reduce the amount of dead skin
cells and other external contaminants on the skin that can contribute to the
development of pimples. However, it is not always possible to completely
prevent pimples, even with good hygiene practices.
How can it be treated?
Many treatment options are available to improve the appearance of acne,
including lifestyle changes, procedures, and medications. Eating fewer simple carbohydrates
like sugar may help. Topical azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid
are commonly used treatments. Antibiotics and retinoids are available in both topical
and oral formulations to treat acne. However, resistance to antibiotics may
develop. A number of birth control pills may be useful for preventing acne in
women (oral contraceptive pills suppress the production of androgens in the body). Oral isotretinoin is usually
reserved for severe acne due to greater potential side effects. Early and
aggressive treatment is advocated by some to lessen the overall long-term
impact to individuals.
Benzoyl peroxide is a first-line treatment for mild and moderate acne due
to its effectiveness and mild side-effects (mainly irritant dermatitis-skin
damage due to irritation by the drug). It works against P. acnes, helps
prevent formation of comedones (A comedo is a blocked hair follicle
(pore) in the skin. Keratin (skin debris) combines with oil to block the
follicle), and has anti-inflammatory properties. Benzoyl peroxide normally
causes dryness of the skin, slight redness, and occasional peeling when side
effects occur. This topical treatment increases sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Salicylic acid is a topical (applied on the skin) agent that possesses antibacterial
and keratolytic properties. Additionally, salicylic acid opens obstructed skin
pores and promotes shedding of epithelial skin cells. Salicylic acid is known
to be less effective than retinoid therapy. Dry skin is the most commonly-seen
side effect with topical application.
Retinoids are medications which possess anti-inflammatory properties,
normalize the follicle cell life cycle, and reduce sebum production. This class
includes adapalene, isotretinoin, retinol, tazarotene, and tretinoin. They are administered topically and generally
have much milder side effects.
The following steps can help prevent acne:
·
Keep your face clean.
·
Use moisturizers that do
not cause acne (look for "non-comedogenic" on the label).
·
Try an over-the-counter acne product.
·
Use makeup sparingly when you have acne and choose makeup that is labeled as "non-comedogenic,".
Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying.
·
Keep your hair away from
your face.
·
Never pick or pop
pimples with your fingers, as it can lead to infection and scarring. Limit your
time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Some acne medications
may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
·
Add more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole
grains to your diet.
·
Avoid excess Dairy
products and foods high in processed sugar, which may trigger acne.
·
Regular exercise is good
for your whole body, including your skin.
·
Some studies link stress
with the severity of pimples or acne. Ask yourself what's making you feel
stressed. Then look for solutions.
Always consult a dermatologist (skin doctor) when acne becomes painful and uncontrollable by over the counter medications.
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