Do you also have a problem with acne? (Acne) Let's talk about this!

Acne is a common problem for many people. Your skin has small pores, which are clogged with dirt and oil. Sometimes these can be black or white. Some pimples can be filled with pus and look like small bumps that are a little painful. Doctors call this condition ``Acne Vulgaris``.

Are there different types of acne? What are they?

Yes, acne is not the same. There are different types of acne. Let's look at some of the main types that are seen.

• Deep, pus- filled acne (Cystic acne): These are larger, cyst-like, pus-filled acne lesions that form under the skin. They are more likely to cause scarring.
• Fungal acne ( Pityrosporum folliculitis ): This occurs when a type of fungus called yeast grows too much in your hair follicles. They can be very itchy and can also become red and swollen.
• Hormonal acne: This mostly affects adults. This type of acne occurs when the skin produces too much oil, called sebum, which clogs pores.
• Nodular acne: This is also a more severe type of acne. It can appear as pimples on the surface of the skin, as well as painful, nodular lumps under the skin.

All of these types of acne can affect your self-confidence . Cystic acne and nodular acne in particular can sometimes cause permanent scarring. Therefore, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible to choose the treatment that is right for you.

Who gets acne?

Acne is actually something that can develop at any time in life, more or less, for everyone. It is most common during adolescence , especially during hormonal changes, between the ages of 11 and 30. However, acne can also occur in adulthood, especially in women. If someone in your family has had a severe acne problem, it means that you are more likely to develop it due to genetics.

How common is acne?

If you have acne, first of all, know that you are not alone . It is the most common skin condition that affects people. It is estimated that 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will experience at least some form of acne.

Where on the body do acne occur most often?

Acne is most commonly seen in these places:

• Face
• Forehead
• Chest
• Shoulders
• On the outside

Actually, there are oil glands all over our bodies. These are the areas where the most oil glands are located. That's why acne occurs more often in those areas.

What are the symptoms of acne?

When acne occurs, you may see the following symptoms on your skin:

• Pimples / Pustules: These are what we commonly call acne. They are filled with pus inside.
• Papules: These are small, red (maybe darker than your skin tone) bumps.
• Blackheads: These are clogged pores on the skin that appear black on top.
• Whiteheads: These are clogged pores on the skin that appear white on top.
• Nodules: Large, painful, and palpable lumps under the skin.
• Cysts: These are painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin.

Some people may have very small, infrequent pimples. Others may have more, red, swollen ``inflammatory papules``. In the most severe cases, these ``nodules`` and ``cysts``` can become large, painful pimples.

What causes acne?

Simply put, acne is caused by a blockage in our hair follicles or pores. Did you know that each of our hair follicles is like a small tube? These hair follicles are filled with sebum from glands. So, when these hair follicles become clogged with too much sebum, they become clogged. Here are some things that can cause a blockage:

• Sebum: This is an oil-like substance that our skin naturally produces. It provides protection to the skin. However, if it is in excess, it can be a problem.
• Bacteria: A small amount of bacteria naturally lives on the surface of our skin. However, if these bacteria become too numerous, they can also contribute to clogged pores.
• Dead skin cells : Our skin is constantly renewing itself. This removes old, dead skin cells. These dead cells can sometimes get stuck inside hair follicles.

When these things clog the pores, that is, when these things get stuck inside the hair follicle and form a plug, a pimple forms. This is what causes the swelling and pain . Sometimes you can see redness around the pimple, which is a result of that swelling (inflammation).

Triggers for acne

There are some things that can cause acne or make existing acne worse. Here are some of them:

• Wearing tight clothing, hats, and helmets frequently.
• Air pollution and high humidity weather conditions.
• Using oily lotions, creams, or working in areas where oil is frequently present (for example, in a restaurant's deep-frying area).
• Stress(`Stress`): This is very important. When `stress` increases, the hormone `( Cortisol )` increases in the body, which can affect acne. Imagine that you have an exam coming up and are under a lot of `stress`, right?
• As a side effect of some medications.
• Picking, squeezing, popping pimples... these are all things that are not good to name.

Foods that increase acne

Some studies have found that certain foods and dietary patterns can affect acne. For example:

• Skim milk
• Whey protein
• Diets high in sugar

Although eating too much sugar can be a cause of acne, no direct link has been found between eating chocolate and acne. To reduce the risk of acne, it is important to eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Include fresh fruits and vegetables (especially those rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which reduce inflammation).

Hormones and acne

Acne is largely a hormonal condition . Androgen hormones, especially testosterone, are the main ones. These are usually activated at a young age. Some women may also experience acne as their menstrual cycle approaches due to hormonal activity. Acne can occur when the skin's sensitivity to these hormones, bacteria on the skin's surface, and substances released by the body's glands combine.

How to diagnose acne?

A doctor can diagnose acne by doing a skin exam. During this exam, the doctor will look at your skin and ask about any symptoms. They may also ask about risk factors for acne, such as:

• Do you have stress?
• Does anyone in your family have acne?
• Does acne increase with the menstrual cycle ?
• What medication are you currently taking?

Usually, no special diagnostic tests are needed to diagnose acne. However, if you have a sudden, severe outbreak of acne, especially if you are an adult, you may need to have tests done to check for an underlying medical condition.

Who treats acne?

A general healthcare provider (`general healthcare provider`) or a dermatologist (`dermatologist`) can diagnose and treat acne. If your acne is not controlled by treatment, or if it is very stubborn, it is best to see a dermatologist.

How severe can acne get?

Dermatologists grade acne according to its severity:

• Grade 1 (Mild): Mostly whiteheads and blackheads. There may be a few small papules and pustules.
• Grade 2 (Moderate or Pustular acne): There are a few papules and pustules, mostly on the face.
• Grade 3 (Moderately severe or Nodulocystic acne): There are many papules and pustules, with occasional swollen nodules . The back and chest may also be affected.
• Grade 4 (Severe nodulocystic acne): There are a large number of large, painful, swollen pustules and nodules.

What are the treatments for acne?

There are several ways to treat acne. Treatment depends on your age, the type of acne, and the severity of your condition. Your doctor may recommend oral medications, topical medications, or other specific treatments. The main goal of treatment is to prevent new acne from forming and to treat existing acne.

Topical acne medications

These are the types of medications that doctors may tell you to apply to your skin. They can be applied to your skin like a lotion. They may contain things like:

• Benzoyl peroxide: This is available over-the-counter at pharmacies. It comes in the form of a gel or a wash (Clearasil®, Stridex®, PanOxyl®, etc.). It works by killing the bacteria on the skin that causes acne. The lower concentrations and washes are less harsh on the skin.
• Salicylic acid: This can also be purchased at pharmacies as a cleanser or lotion. It removes the top layer of dead skin cells and prevents pores from becoming clogged.
• Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in grains like barley and wheat. It kills microorganisms on the skin and reduces inflammation.
• Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids (such as Retin-A®, Tazorac®, Differin®) help reduce blackheads and whiteheads and unclog pores. These are not something to apply after a pimple, but to the entire area where you have a pimple to help prevent new ones from forming. It can take several months to see results.
• Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics like Clindamycin and Erythromycin control bacteria on the skin's surface. They are most effective when used in combination with Benzoyl peroxide.
• Dapsone (Aczone®): This is also a gel. It has antibacterial properties. It is good for inflamed acne.

Oral acne medications

These are the oral pills that are used to treat acne.

• Antibiotics: These are given for acne caused by bacteria. The most commonly prescribed ones are Tetracycline, Minocycline, and Doxycycline . They are good for moderate to severe acne.
• Isotretinoin (Isotretinoin / Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Sotret®): This is an oral retinoid. It reduces the size of the oil-producing glands, which can reduce the appearance of acne. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking this medication, especially if you are pregnant.
• Birth control pills: Birth control pills can help some women with acne. Some brands, such as Estrostep®, Beyaz®, Ortho Tri-Cyclen®, and Yaz®, are approved for treating acne. They contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
• Hormone therapy: This can help some people, especially those who have acne that worsens during their menstrual periods or who have irregular menstrual cycles due to increased androgen levels. This can include low-dose estrogen and progesterone pills (birth control pills) or a medication called Spironolactone, which blocks the effects of certain hormones at the level of the hair follicles and oil glands.

Additional acne therapies

If skin peeling or oral medications don't significantly reduce acne, or if you have acne scars, a doctor may recommend other treatments, such as:

• Steroids: In severe acne, these are injected into large nodules to reduce swelling.
• Lasers: Lasers and light therapy are used to treat acne scars. The laser heats the collagen beneath the skin that is causing the scars. This stimulates the body's own healing process, causing new, healthy collagen to form, which in turn encourages the growth of new skin.
• Chemical peels: This treatment uses special chemicals to remove the top layer of skin. This results in smoother, more even skin, and may even reduce acne scars.

How do antibiotics cure acne?

Antibiotics are a type of medication that targets bacteria. Bacteria can clog pores and cause acne. Some antibiotics can also reduce inflammation. Antibiotics can do the following:

• Stops bacteria from entering the body.
• Destroys bacteria.
• Prevents bacteria from multiplying.

A doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the pimple is caused by bacteria, or if there is an infection. Sometimes, when a pimple is popped, bacteria can get into it, causing it to swell and become painful. This medicine can help.But this is not a permanent solution to acne, and it is not good to take antibiotics for acne for a long time.

How to reduce acne at home?

If you have acne, here are some things you can do to protect your skin at home:

• Wash your skin at least once a day with lukewarm (not too hot) water and a gentle cleanser.
• Wash your skin after exercising and sweating.
• Avoid using products that are harsh on the skin, such as alcohol, astringents, toners, and exfoliants.
• At the end of the day, remove your makeup before going to bed.
• After cleansing your skin, apply an oil-free moisturizer.
• > Most importantly: Don't pick, squeeze, or pop pimples. Let your skin heal naturally. This will help prevent scarring.

If these home remedies don't reduce acne, see a doctor.

Is acne medication safe during pregnancy?

Many skin creams and oral acne medications are not safe to use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about acne treatment. Also, tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

How long does it take for acne to heal?

It usually takes a week or two for a pimple to clear up on its own. With medication and good skin care habits, you can speed up the healing process and clear up your pimples faster. If you have severe acne, it can take several weeks to clear up, even with treatment.

How can you prevent acne from forming?

It's impossible to completely prevent acne, especially during periods of hormonal changes. But you can reduce your risk by doing the following:

• Wash your face daily with lukewarm water and a facial cleanser.
• Use a low-oil moisturizer.
• Choose makeup that is labeled "noncomedogenic" (meaning it won't clog pores), and remove makeup at the end of the day.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands frequently.

What to expect if you have acne?

Acne often goes away as you get older. However, some people may continue to have acne problems into adulthood. Your doctor or dermatologist can help you manage the condition. There are different treatments available. You and your doctor may need to experiment to find the right treatment for your skin. What works for you may not work for someone else.

Do acne scars occur?

Yes, sometimes acne can cause scars.This happens when the pimple penetrates the top layer of the skin and damages the deeper layers of the skin underneath. The inflammation causes the pimple pore to swell and the pore walls to break down, which causes damage to the skin. Scarring can be emotionally distressing, and that's normal. There are treatments for acne scars too.

How does acne affect mental health?

Acne can affect your appearance and self-confidence, so it can also affect your mental health. Often, acne is caused by hormones and is beyond your control. This can cause stress, which can lead to more acne. Acne can be a challenge, especially for young people. If your acne is making you feel anxious or preventing you from participating in social activities with friends and family, talk to a doctor or mental health counselor .

When should I see a doctor?

It's best to see a doctor as soon as you start getting acne and start treatment. That way, you can control it before it becomes a problem. If your current acne medication doesn't help, or if it causes an allergic reaction, such as itching or discoloration, see a doctor.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

• What type of acne do I have?
• How bad is my acne?
• Should I see a dermatologist?
• What kind of medicine do you recommend that can be purchased at the pharmacy?
• What prescription medication do you recommend?

Sometimes, if home remedies don't help, you may need to take a little medication to help. If you have stubborn acne, see a doctor or dermatologist for treatment. It's important to avoid popping or squeezing pimples to prevent scarring. Remember, acne is temporary and can be treated with the right treatment for your skin.

Finally, remember...

Acne is something that many people have to deal with. There's no need to be ashamed or feel bad about it. The most important thing is to get the right information, seek medical advice if necessary, and take care of your skin. Sometimes it takes a while to see results, but with patience and treatment, you can definitely see good results. You're not alone, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it!