Acne, vulgaris, is a skin problem that starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. Some people call it blackheads, blemishes, whiteheads, pimples, or zits. When you have just a few red spots, or pimples, you have a mild form of acne. Severe acne can mean hundreds of pimples that can cover the face, neck, chest, and back. Or it can be bigger, solid, red lumps that are painful (cysts).
Acne is very common among teens. It usually gets better after the teen years. Some women who never had acne growing up will have it as an adult, often right before their menstrual periods.
How you feel about your acne may not be related to how bad it is. Some people who have severe acne are not bothered by it. Others are embarrassed or upset even though they have only a few pimples.
The good news is that there are many good treatments that can help you get acne under control.
Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin’s pores. If germs get into the pores, the result can be swelling, redness, and pus. For most people, acne starts during the teen years. This is because hormone changes make the skin oilier after puberty starts.
Using oil-based skin products or cosmetics can make acne worse. Use skin products that don’t clog your pores. They will say “noncomedogenic” on the label.
Acne can run in families. If one of your parents had severe acne, you are more likely to have it.
Wash your skin once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser or acne wash. Try not to scrub or pick at your pimples. This can make them worse and can cause scars.
There are many skin treatments, such as laser resurfacing , chemical peels, micropen, to name a few that can help acne scars look better and feel smoother. Ask your doctor about them. The best treatment for you depends on how severe the scarring is.
You can help prevent acne from getting worse by the way you wash your face:
- Gently wash your face once or twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser or acne wash.
- Use gentle, circling motions rather than scrubbing your face.
- Always completely rinse your skin after you wash it, and gently pat it dry. Avoid rubbing your skin.
- If your face feels dry after washing it, use an oil free moisturizing lotion. Look for skin care products that say “noncomedogenic” on the label.
Other tips include the following:
- Shower or cleanse face as soon as you can after any activity that causes heavy sweating, especially sports.
- Try keeping your hair off your face. Having hair hanging in your face can cause a breakout. Washing your hair every day may help.
Blackheads
are comedones that are open at the surface of the skin. They are filled with excess oil and dead skin cells.
Whiteheads
are comedones that stay closed at the surface of the skin. This happens when oil and skin cells prevent a clogged hair follicle from opening to the surface of the skin. They are filled with excess oil and dead skin cells.
Papules
are comedones that become inflamed, forming small red or pink bumps on the skin. This type of pimple may be sensitive to the touch.
Pustules
are another kind of inflamed pimple. They resemble a whitehead with a red ring around the bump. The bump is typically filled with white or yellow pus.
Nodules
are large, inflamed bumps that feel firm to the touch. They develop deep within the skin and are often painful.
Cysts
are large, pus-filled lesions that look similar to boils. Like nodules, cysts can be painful and should be treated by a dermatologist.
Severe nodulocystic acne
have multiple inflamed cysts and nodules. The acne may turn deep red or purple. It often leaves scars.
Acne conglobata
is one of the most severe forms of acne. It involves many inflamed nodules that are connected under the skin to other nodules. It can affect the neck, chest, arms, and buttocks. It often leaves scars.
There are several different grades of acne and treatments available to lessen the severity of breakouts, and risk of scarring. Contact your Dermatologist to discuss the best treatment/product options available for your specific condition.