Acne: The troublemaker that ruins your youthful appearance!

Youth is the best time to look beautiful and be happy. But the main mental and skin problem that many young people face is acne. This sometimes hinders both the youthful appearance and the happiness of the heart.

Let's learn scientifically about how acne occurs and the successful skin treatments for it, based on the discussion with Dr. Priya, a 17-year-old girl named Tharushi, who was depressed due to the painful red pimples and blackheads that had appeared all over her face and had even stopped going to school for fear of being teased by her friends.

Doctor-patient dialogue: "Doctor, is it because I don't wash my face properly that I get acne?"

Tharushi (embarrassed): "Dr. Priya, I have big, red, painful acne and blackheads all over my face. I don't even go to school now because I'm afraid my friends will make fun of me. Is this because I don't wash my face properly? Can I get my beautiful face back, doctor?"

Dr. Priya (comforting Tharushi): "Tharushi, first of all, don't stress yourself too much about this. Getting acne is not a mistake caused by your uncleanliness."

The oil-producing glands in our skin are called sebaceous glands . Hormonal changes in the body during adolescence, especially the increase in the level of androgens, a male hormone, cause these glands to produce more sebum. When the pores in the skin become clogged with dead skin cells and dirt, the oil cannot escape. Bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes then grow there and cause inflammation, resulting in acne. This is not a contagious disease.

! Cute lady with Acne face

Tarushi: "Doctor, are there different types of acne?"

Dr. Priya: "Yes, daughter. Acne can be divided into several main types:
1. Blackheads: Blackheads are open pores on the surface of the skin, resembling black dots.
2. Whiteheads: Small, white bumps that are clogged with pores.
3. Papules: Red, hard, non-pus-filled blisters.
4. Pustules: Pus-filled pimples with a yellow head.
5. Cysts: " Large, very painful cyst-like pimples that form deep within the skin."

🚨 Red Flags that require immediate medical attention

Although acne is a common condition, you should seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

1. Deep, painful cysts: The appearance of large, hard, intensely painful cysts that are not on the surface of the skin, but deep within the skin (this can leave deep scars if left untreated).
2. Leaving deep scars and blackheads:When acne heals, the skin peels, leaving deep pit-like scars or dark spots.
3. Signs of infection: Rapidly spreading redness around the pimple, warmth of the skin, and heavy pus drainage.
4. Severe psychological stress: Feeling ashamed of one's appearance due to acne, social isolation, depression, or severe anxiety.

🛠️ Action Steps to Get Rid of Acne

• Step 1: Use a mild, soap-free cleanser to keep your face clean and wash your face gently twice a day. Never rub your face harshly.
• Step 2: If acne is severe, see a dermatologist immediately.
• Step Three: Use only non-comedogenic/oil-free makeup and creams that do not clog skin pores.
• Step Four: Never try to squeeze, pop, or scratch blackheads or pimples. This can spread bacteria and lead to scarring.
• Step 5: Use appropriate topical creams (e.g., Benzoyl Peroxide , Salicylic Acid , or Retinoids ) as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend oral antibiotics (e.g., Tetracycline) or hormonal therapy as needed.

📊 Do's & Don'ts