Help – do I have acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases from which mostly youngsters suffer. In this disease blackheads, pimples and pustules are formed on the skin surface. Also Adults can be affected by acne. The causes vary depending on the type of acne.
We have the most important information about acne summarized in this article.
What exactly is acne?
Acne is a disease of the skin, which often breaks out during puberty. What exactly acne is, can not be answered clearly, because there are Acne in different forms gives.
In the most common form of acne blackheads, pustules and pimples form on the face, mainly in the T-zone (forehead, bridge of the nose and chin).
Because of the Hormonal changes during puberty, the sebaceous glands produce increased amounts of sebum. skin surface. Clogs the exits.
So the sebum can not be removed and it accumulates. It blackheads form. If such a blackhead tears open, it comes into contact with air and turns black. White blackheads are thus occluded.
This Blackheads are attracting bacteria. If these bacteria colonize the skin, the area becomes inflamed. The skin becomes red. A pimple develops.
In worse forms of acne red nodules appear, which can also fester. Inflammations destroy the normal connective tie. This is how scars can develop. To prevent this a doctor should be consulted.
Causes
Depending on the type of acne there are other causes. For Acne vulgaris, also called common acne hormonal fluctuations of the trigger.
During puberty there is an increased production of male sex hormones, the androgens, in boys as well as girls. This hormone stimulates the formation of sebum and causes acne.
Certain Medications, cosmetic products or even chlorine can trigger acne. The so-called "Mallorca acne" is caused by UV rays.
Also stress, psychological strain and hereditary predispositions support the formation of acne.
Who can get acne?
Basically Anyone can get acne. Even newborns or infants can have the disease. Although common acne usually clears up by age 25, adults also suffer from acne.
It most often affects teenagers during puberty. Boys are often more affected than girls.
In which places does acne occur?
Most is the face affected. The symptoms are most severe here, especially in the T-zone. In boys it is often the cheeks.
Other places where acne can occur is the decollete or the back. The pustules usually do not grow as large in these areas, but can still leave scars.
What are the forms of acne?
– Acne vulgaris – cosmetic or medication acne – newborn acne – infant acne – Mallorca acne – acne inversa
Acne vulgaris
This is the most common form of acne. It begins during puberty. Usually subsides by the age of 25.
Acne vulgaris is triggered by the increased secretion of the hormone androgen. The Symptoms are pimples, blackheads and in more severe cases also pustules.
A distinction is made between 3 subtypes, which are divided according to severity.
Acne comedonica: This is the mildest form, where only the face is affected. Blackheads form here, which can become inflamed when they are squeezed out.
Acne papulopustulosa: This form is characterized by blackheads and pimples. It is the moderately severe form. Already here the acne must be treated properly to avoid the formation of scars.
Acne conglobata: In this form, real knots form from the pimples, which become inflamed. These destroy the tie during healing. Leave visible scars. Anyone suffering from this type of acne must seek medical treatment.
Cosmetic or medication acne
Here some ingredients in cosmetics or medications trigger the acne. These are special forms of acne, which can be combated specifically. As soon as the substance to which the skin reacts is discontinued, the acne disappears. Allergy tests can help here.
Newborn acne
With this type form small blackheads on the cheeks of the newborn baby. These may already be present at birth or develop in the first weeks of life.
Treatment is not necessary because the Skin disease subsides after a few weeks.
Infant acne
Infant acne is characterized by small yellow pimples, mainly appearing on the forehead and cheeks. This disease develops between the third and sixth month of life. The pimples can leave scars. Therefore this form should be treated medically.
Majorca acne
Mallorca acne is also a special form of acne. It is actually a light allergy. Here small pustules form on the decollete, arms and legs. The affected areas usually become red and itchy.
The cause of this acne is The reaction of UV rays with the sebum of the skin or the fats in sunscreen, which form harmful substances for the skin. Majorca acne usually heals after a few days. During this time, renewed exposure to the sun should be avoided.
Acne Inversa
This is a severe form of acne. It occurs in areas of the skin where wrinkles form easily. So mainly in the armpit and intimate area. This form must be treated by a doctor, otherwise it could become chronic. Little is known about this form, as very few people suffer from it.
What can I do against acne?
The Acne treatment depends on the form of acne. In addition, it must be considered whether the affected person has sensitive skin or allergies.
In mild cases you can do something yourself against acne. In severe cases you should consult a doctor.
For external treatment there are in drugstores and pharmacies antibacterial ointments and creams that help with acne. In case of mild acne, this can be a good method. Remove keratinization. Reopening the sebaceous glands.
Should there be a moderately severe case of acne, can be professional cleansing at the beautician prevents scars from forming. Microdermabrasion is the process of abrading the top layer of skin with fine crystals. This clears the glandular exits again. Improves the appearance of the skin.
If scars have already formed, there are treatment options to remove them. Microneedling is a good way to remove acne scars.
For moderate and severe cases are treated with medication. Antibiotics inhibit the inflammation, but are prescribed only for a short time, otherwise resistance can develop. Often Vitamin A acid derivatives are used, these fight blackheads and pimples.
It is not possible to say exactly which treatment method is best across the board, as conditions vary from individual to individual.
Do I need to see a doctor for acne?
In the case of a mild form of acne, it is not necessarily necessary to see a doctor. but if moderate to severe types of acne are present, they need to be treated with a doctor.