Do you ever wake up, look in the mirror, and groan at a new pimple that popped up overnight? If so, you’re not alone. Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, especially teenagers.
But what exactly causes acne? And, more importantly, how can it be treated? Let’s find out!
We will also mention a dermatology practice where you can go to see an outstanding dermatologist if you are located in and around Miami, FL.
Acne: What is It?
Acne, medically known as acne vulgaris, is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. This can cause whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples to form, most often on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.
There are several types of acne, including the following:
Cystic Acne
This is a severe form of acne that forms deep within the skin. Cystic acne results in large, red, tender bumps filled with pus (known as cysts). These cysts can be painful and often leave scars.
Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is triggered by hormonal fluctuations, which can cause an overproduction of oil (sebum). This excess oil can clog pores, leading to breakouts.
It’s common in adults going through hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Nodular Acne
Nodular acne is another severe form of acne that causes red bumps on the skin’s surface and painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface. These lumps, or nodules, are caused by the buildup of oil and dead skin cells deep within pores.
Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis)
Fungal acne isn’t really acne at all. It’s a condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast, a type of fungus, in the hair follicles. This yeast buildup can lead to clusters of small, itchy, inflamed bumps on the skin.
Causes of Acne
The following are the most common causes of acne.
Excess Oil Production
Our skin has numerous tiny pores, each containing a sebaceous gland. These glands produce an oily substance known as sebum, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out.
However, when these glands produce too much oil, it can lead to problems. The excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and other debris to clog the pores. This clogged pore then provides a perfect environment for acne to develop.
Clogged Hair Follicles
Each pore on our skin is an opening to a follicle, containing hair and an oil gland. Sometimes, these follicles can become blocked with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt.
When this happens, the blocked material can become a plug in the follicle, forming a blackhead or whitehead. If the blocked follicle becomes inflamed or infected with bacteria, it can develop into a more severe form of acne, like a pimple, pustule, or cyst.
Bacteria
Our skin is home to many types of bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, when a pore becomes clogged, bacteria can get trapped inside and multiply, leading to inflammation and redness.
One particular type of bacteria, called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acne s), is known to cause acne breakouts. It thrives in the oily environment of a blocked pore and can cause the area to become red, swollen, and filled with pus.
Certain things can also trigger or worsen your acne. These include:
- Hormonal changes, especially during puberty and pregnancy
- Certain medications like corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium
- Diet, such as food rich in carbs
- Stress
Treatment Options for Acne
Typically, a dermatologist recommends acne treatment based on the type and severity of acne. Dermatologists also consider the patient’s age and potential side effects of each treatment method.
Dermatologists most commonly recommend the following treatment options.
Topical Medications
These are applied directly to the skin and include:
- Retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) help prevent the plugging of hair follicles.
- Topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin)are used to kill excess skin bacteria.
- Azelaic acid and salicylic acid help reduce inflammation and unclog pores.
- Dapsone, which is recommended by dermatologists, particularly for inflammatory acne.
Oral Medications
These acne medications are taken by mouth and include:
- Antibiotics such as tetracyclines and macrolides are used to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation.
- Combined oral contraceptive scan help women by reducing the amount of oil the skin produces.
- Anti-androgen agents like spironolactone that work by reducing the effect of androgens on sebum production.
- Isotretinoin is a potent medication used for severe, resistant acne.
Other Therapies
Other therapies that can help with acne treatment are:
- Light therapy which involves exposing the skin to different types of light to kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Chemical peels, which involve applying a chemical solution on skin to help clear up mild acne.
- Drainage and extraction, which involve using special tools to remove acne pimples.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Regularly washing your face with a mild cleanser, using non-comedogenic products, applying over-the-counter acne creams or gels, avoiding irritants, protecting your skin from the sun, and refraining from picking at your skin are also recommended by dermatologists to treat acne.
Dermatologist in Miami, FL
Struggling with acne can be frustrating and confidence-shattering, but you don’t have to face it alone. At the Children’s Skin Center, we’re here to guide you every step of the way toward clear, healthy skin. We use state-of-the-art treatments, including topical medications, oral medications, and advanced therapies, to effectively combat acne and improve your skin health.
For more information, call or text us at (305) 669-6555. We look forward to serving you!
