Dermatology
By Super Admin Jul 01, 2025 4 min read 35 views

A Comprehensive Guide to Acne

There is a lot of emphasis on looks and physical appearance in today’s image-conscious society. Looking presentable is something that every person desires. However, several skin conditions can negatively impact your facial aesthetics. Acne is a common example of such conditions. Acne is a skin condition characterized by tiny bumps or lesions on your face and other visible body areas. Though they commonly occur during your teenage years, they can also continue in your middle age.
Types of AcneAccording to research studies, there are several types of acne, namely:Fungal AcneThis acne occurs due to an abnormal yeast buildup in your skin pores or hair folliclesThe pimples are usually red, itchy, and inflamedCystic AcneThese are deep, pus-filled, painful pimples or lesions resulting in ugly scarsHormonal AcneThese are breakouts that affect adults due to hormonal fluctuations leading to sebum productionExcess sebum clogs your skin pores, resulting in red, inflamed, and painful soresNodular AcneThis severe form of acne forms pimples on your skin surface and tender nodules under your skinUnleashing The Potential Causes of AcneAbnormal clogging of the pores in your skin due to excess sebum (an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands), bacterial infiltration, or dead skin cells leads to the formation of acne. This triggers an inflammatory reaction in your body, causing swelling, redness, and pain around a pimple. Read on to learn the other potential causes that trigger acne or worsen a breakout. These include:Hormonal imbalance in women is seen during puberty or pregnancy, while in men, it occurs due to excess androgen (male sex hormone)Environmental factors like increased humidity, air pollution, and dustUsing harmful and oily skin productsEmotional stress increases the hormone cortical levelsExcess intake of sugary foods, skim milk, and whey proteinAs an allergic reaction to certain medicationsWearing tight-fitting headgear like helmetsUnderstanding The Symptoms of AcneSigns and symptoms of acne depend on the type and severity of the condition. These include:A raised, white, or flesh-colored blemish (whiteheads)A black speck of dirt and debris (blackheads)Tiny bumps with clear or pus-filled pimplesThe skin around the pimple appears red and inflamedA prominent red, inflamed nodule that is sore and tenderInfected or untreated acne can leave scars and pigmentation on the affected skin surfaceFlat dark spots on the skin surface (hyperpigmentation) that may appear pink, red, or brownEffective Treatment Options for AcneAcne can be treated in several ways depending on your age, type, and severity of acne. Your dermatologist (a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to skin, hair, and nails) may recommend any one of the following treatment options:MedicationsTopicalThese are rubbed directly onto your affected skin for mild acne. These include:Benzoyl PeroxideThis prescription drug helps eliminate bacteria that aggravate acneIt is available in the form of gel or facewashSalicylic AcidThis acid helps dissolve the dead skin to prevent your pores from cloggingSalicylic acid is available as cleansers or lotions to remove the superficial layer of your skinRetinoidsRetinoids contain retinoic acid or tretinoin and are available as creams, gels, and lotionsRetinoids work by unclogging the pores and reducing acne breakoutsAzelaic Acid Azelaic acid has antibacterial properties to eliminate acne-causing bacteriaIt is available in the form of gels and creamsDapsoneDapsone is an antibacterial gel that eliminates bacteriaOralThese are used in moderate to severe forms of acne taken orally. These include the following:AntibioticsTetracycline is the most preferred oral antibiotic for acneHowever, these are contraindicated in pregnant women and children below eight yearsAnti-androgen DrugsThese oral medications block the action of androgen hormone e on oil-producing glandsOral ContraceptivesThis is an FDA-approved acne treatment that combines progesterone (a natural steroid that regulates your periods) with estrogen (a female sex hormone)These aim to improve the hormonal imbalance that triggers acneIsotretinoinIt is a Vitamin A derivative and is prescribed when other treatments failIsotretinoin is an oral retinoid used to treat moderate to severe acne by shrinking the size of the oil glands, which contribute to acne formationAcne TherapiesThese treatments are adopted when the above options fail. These include:Laser TherapyLaser beams of different wavelengths are targeted on the acne-affected skinThe light energy converts to heat energy, heating the scarred collagen under your skinThis stimulates the production of new and healthy collagen as your body's natural healing responseChemical PeelsThis procedure involves repeated application of chemical solutions like salicylic acid, glycolic, or retinoic acid that removes the superficial (top) layer of your old and damaged skin.Steroid InjectionsSteroid injections are used to treat cystic and nodular acne, which reduces inflammation.TakeawayThough acne is a common skin condition, it can have a severe psychological impact on your life. Severe forms of acne can be daunting since they cause permanent skin damage, leaving scars on your skin. These hamper your self-confidence and may cause anxiety and depression. A dermatologist can effectively treat your acne through topical medications (in the form of creams, gels, lotions, and cleansers), oral medications (antibiotics, oral contraceptives, anti-androgen agents), or acne therapies (lasers, chemical peels, steroid injections).If you are suffering from acne or acne scars, seek help from a dermatologist so they can determine the best treatment option(s) for you.Referenceshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986265/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279211/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12053788/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7527424/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029236/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6047192/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585707/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3080563/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8510514/
Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.

Quick Info
Medical Specialty:
Dermatology
Reading Time:
4 minutes
Last Updated:
Jul 13, 2025
Get Health Updates

Subscribe to receive this article and latest health content directly in your inbox.