What is Acne?

21:53 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is a skin condition in which the hair follicles under the skin get obstructed by fat and dead cells, which causes the pores to close, causing the appearance of lesions such as pimples and blackheads. These rashes usually appear on the face, but it is possible that they also appear on the shoulders, chest, and back, having their highest incidence in adolescents and young adults, although they can affect people of any age. After the age of 30, it disappears in most people, but sometimes it can last until the age of 50. The most common causes of acne are:

  • Sebaceous glands with fat overproduction.
  • Hair follicles obstructed by sebum and dead cells.
  • Bacterial growths in the pore.
  • Inflammatory processes.

There are some aspects that can contribute to acne or, if you already have it, to worsen it:

  • Natural hormonal processes at puberty.
  • Intake of certain drugs.
  • Excess carbohydrates and fats in the diet.
  • Repeated episodes of stress.

Signs and symptoms Acne

There are several levels in acne symptoms depending on how serious the case is, but the most frequent symptoms are:

  • Pus-filled pustules or pimples.
  • Big, hard, painful subcutaneous nodules.
  • Painful subcutaneous purulent cysts.
  • Whitish pimples.
  • Pimples or blackheads.
  • Small red rashes called papules.

The most frequent complications of acne that is not properly treated can be the appearance of scars, such as skin holes or growths called keloids, as well as pigment alterations in the damaged areas.

Diagnosis and treatment Acne

Once your dermatologist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination, in which they will carry out an exhaustive examination of your skin to determine if it is acne or some other skin condition. The treatment to be followed will depend on the severity of the case, but in general the aim is to control the acne, preventing new lesions from arising or existing ones from aggravating, avoiding complications and minimizing skin lesions. The most commonly used topical and oral drugs to fight this condition are: Topic:

  • Retinoids.
  • Antibiotics.
  • Azelaic acid.
  • Salicylic acid.

Oral:

  • Antibiotics.
  • Birth control pills.
  • Antiandrogens.

At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies of both chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Fuentes:

  • cun.es
  • niams.nih.gov
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • topdoctors.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Ruiz GD, Zarnowski GA, Salazar SA. Identification and management of acne in the adult female. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2021;6(10):.
  • Vargas AA, Cárdenas EE, Recio SM, et al. Acne scars. Treatment with 100% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and with 25% TCA peeling. Dermatología Cosmética, Médica y Quirúrgica. 2008;6(3):168-175.
  • Lizardo-Castro GA, Aguilar-Gutiérrez KF. Pediatric acne. Acta Pediatr Mex. 2021;42(4):177-191.
  • Muvdi S, Moreno S, Rodríguez V, et al. Evaluation of quality of life in patients with acne: validation of a measurement scale. Med Cutan Iber Lat Am. 2020;48(1):29-40. doi:10.35366/93977.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.