Acne
Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that usually shows up on the face, back or chest. It can cause spots, oily skin, deeper cysts, and skin that feels hot or painful to touch.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes acne?
Sebaceous glands are tiny glands sitting just under the skin's surface. They produce an oily substance called sebum, which keeps hair and skin from drying out.
With acne, these glands start producing more sebum than the skin actually needs. This extra oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs the hair follicles, the small openings that each hair grows out of. When a follicle gets blocked this way, it shows up as whiteheads or blackheads.
Sometimes these blocked follicles get infected by bacteria that normally live harmlessly on the skin. That is what leads to the more inflamed forms of acne, such as papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts.
Common causes of acne in women
Acne is quite common among women, and it often points to a hormonal imbalance. This can be related to:
- periods
- pregnancy
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Other causes of acne
A few other factors can also bring on acne:
- testosterone: in teenagers, rising testosterone levels during puberty are often behind acne
- family history: if your parents had acne, you are more likely to get it too
- certain cosmetic products
- certain medications
- wearing things that press against the skin, such as a headband or a backpack strap
- smoking
There is no evidence that poor hygiene or sexual activity has anything to do with causing acne.
Who is most at risk of acne?
Acne is very common among teenagers and young adults.
Most people deal with acne on and off for several years, and it usually starts easing as they get older. That said, for some people, it can carry on into adult life.
Diagnosis
আপনার ত্বকে ব্রণের লক্ষণ দেখা দিলে ফার্মাসিস্টের সাথে কথা বলুন। তিনি আপনার ত্বক দেখেই ব্রণ শনাক্ত করতে পারবেন।
ফার্মাসিস্ট দেখবেন আপনার কতগুলো দানা আছে এবং সেগুলো কতটা ফোলা ও ব্যথাযুক্ত। এর ভিত্তিতে বোঝা যায় আপনার ব্রণ কতটা তীব্র, যা চিকিৎসার পরিকল্পনা করতে সাহায্য করে।
আরও চিকিৎসার জন্য জিপির কাছে যেতে হবে কিনা, তা ফার্মাসিস্ট আপনাকে জানিয়ে দেবেন।
Treatment
Treatment for acne depends on how bad your breakouts are.
You may be given creams or gels to use on the skin, or tablets to take by mouth. A pharmacist can often start you on treatment. If this doesn't help, or your acne is severe, they may advise you to see your doctor.
It usually takes several months of treatment before you notice real improvement. Try to be patient and stick with the treatment, even if your skin doesn't look better right away.
Treating acne in women
Hormonal therapies can often help women with acne, especially if the acne:
- flares up around your period, or
- is linked to a hormonal condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome
If you're not already on it, your doctor may suggest the combined oral contraceptive pill, even if you're not sexually active. The combined pill often improves acne in women, though it can take up to a year for the full benefit to show.
Treating severe acne
If your acne is severe, your doctor may refer you to a skin specialist (a dermatologist). This is more likely if you have:
- a large number of papules and pustules on your face, chest and/or back
- painful nodules
Severe acne is often treated with a combination of antibiotic tablets and treatments applied directly to the skin. If this doesn't work, a medicine called isotretinoin (Roaccutane) may be prescribed. Your healthcare team will talk with you about whether this treatment is right for you.
Complications
Acne scarring can sometimes develop. Any type of spot can leave a scar, but this is more likely when nodules and cysts burst and damage the surrounding skin.
Scarring can also happen if you pick or squeeze your spots, so it is best to avoid doing this.
Living with acne
If you have acne, a few simple habits can help ease your symptoms.
Helpful steps
Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Water that is too hot or too cold can make acne worse. Choose fragrance free, water based products for your skin. Try not to wear too much make up, and always remove it fully before going to bed.
Steps to avoid
Do not wash the affected skin more than twice a day, since washing too often can irritate it and make symptoms worse. Do not try to clean out blackheads or squeeze spots, since this can make them worse and lead to permanent scarring.
Mental health and wellbeing
Acne can sometimes take a toll on your mental health and wellbeing. It may leave you feeling anxious, stressed, low, or depressed. If this happens to you, speak to your doctor for further advice on managing your mental health and wellbeing.
The images on this page were sourced from dermnetnz.org.
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