Acne is a dermatoses which develops in and around the hair follicles and their oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands). Although we have these glands all over the surface or our bodies; it is only on the face, chest and back (another variant of ACNE called HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA occurs in axillae & groins) that acne develops. The oil  produced by the sebaceous glands is called sebum and it begins to appear soon after puberty. Acne usually starts during the teenage years but it may also begin in the twenties or thirties. (Adult onset acne)

The exact cause of acne is unknown. One theory is that when hormone levels increase during puberty, the skin of the acne prone person reacts to produce excess sebum. No one knows why some people's oil glands produce more sebum than others; but when this happens, the oil glands become blocked. One result is the familiar blackheads or if the blockages are deeper, whiteheads. In some people, the acne may not progress beyond this stage (grade1)but usually it does.

Bacteria in the deeper part of the hair follicle, beneath the sebum blockage release chemicals which act upon the sebum and break it down to release other chemicals. These chemicals make the skin around the follicle red and inflamed resulting in a spot or papule (grade2) In bad cases, pus develops and the spot is called pustule. Large, painful swellings called nodules and cysts(grade4) may develop & may cause scarring/sunken pits.

What should I do when I have acne?

Consult Dr. Anu early. Waiting to outgrow acne an be serious mistake. Medical treatment can improve your appearance and prevent the development of severe scars.

How is acne treated?

A - Treatment applied to the skin:TOPICALS
Patients with mild acne usually respond well to such treatment. It includes sulphur and resorcinol preparation (eg: acne creams and lotions), benzoyl peroxide containing preparations, antibiotic lotions (erythromycin and clindamycin) and Vitamin A derived cream or  tretinoin gel. Some lotions or creams may make the skin red or flaky but this effect is usually temporary. Consult Dr. Anu if the lotions or creams cause excessive redness or irritation.

B - Oral Treatment
If your acne becomes worse and you have a lot of tender spots, then skin treatment alone will not be enough. Dr. Anu will work out the pathophysiology , hit the cause (eg:PCOD) & thereafter prescribe the needed meds. Which ever meds you are prescribed, you will probably have to take it for least a few weeks to months

C - For severe acne
For very serious cases who do not respond to the above treatment or severe cystic acne, Isotretinoin may be given

D - Hormonal acne
Hormonal acne is treated after a complete hormonal profile.

E - Combination therapy
Along with medicines, a good customised Skin care can have miraculous results. Also adjunct treatments like microdermabrasion, composite peels, laser treatment for acne, pack therapies are really helpful.

Does diet cause or aggravate acne?
There is no firm scientific evidence that diet in any way influences acne. In majority of cases, no dietary restrictions are required. But a balanced healthy diet & plenty of waterdoes make your skin better.

How should I manage acne?

Remove surface oil from the face by washing with soap and water or with medicated cleansers. Ask Dr. Anu to give a complete skin care regimen. Remember, you can't wash acne away.

Does squeezing the spots affect the outcome?

It is advisable not to squeeze / pick on the spots, especially if they are deep. Superficial yellow spots may be gently squeezed to remove the pussy contents. If excessive pressure is required to remove the contents , the spot should not be squeezed otherwise, the irritant material will be squeezed further into the surrounding skin which will be bigger, last longer and may result in scarring.

Can I use cosmetics when I have acne?

It is possible that very greasy make-up might worsen acne. Use water-based/oil-free cosmetics.

Must Do's

- Have plenty of water.

 - Keep your skin clean.

 - Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

 - Treat dandruff if present.

- Use an apt. skin care regimen (Seasonal) as suggested by Dr. Anu

Must Not
- Give in to peer pressure

- Try off-hand formulas

- Give up : Acne can be treated & so can the scars