Acne

General description of the disease

It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is not dangerous for life, does not affect the functionality of a person, however, with improper care, it can lead to the appearance of scars on the skin.[1]… Let’s take a closer look at why acne is formed.

Sebaceous glands are tiny glands that are located near the surface of the skin. They attach to hair follicles, which are small holes in the skin from which hairs grow.

The sebaceous glands lubricate the hair and skin to keep it from drying out. They do this by producing an oily substance called sebum.

If pimples appear on the skin, it is a sign that the glands have begun to produce too much sebum. Its excess mixes with dead skin cells and forms a plug in the follicle.

If the clogged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it bends outward, creating a white head.

The normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then contaminate and infect clogged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts[3].

The causes of acne

There are many factors that can cause acne. The most common ones are:

  • Increase in the level of androgens in the blood. It is a type of hormone that increases rapidly during puberty. In women, it is converted to the hormone estrogen. An increase in the level of androgens in the blood provokes a more active work of the sebaceous glands, due to which more sebum is secreted. It destroys the cell walls in the pores, provokes the growth of bacteria, which is fraught with inflammatory processes on the skin and the formation of acne.
  • Taking medications that contain lithium and androgen.
  • Using oily cosmetics or one that clogs the pores.
  • Hormonal failure in the body.
  • Emotional stress.
  • Period of menstruation[1].
  • Heredity – Research shows that a child who has both parents with acne has a much higher risk of developing acne.
  • Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. At this time, a change in the level of hormones occurs in the body, which is why rashes may appear on the body.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome in women is a common condition that can cause acne, weight gain, and the formation of small cysts inside the ovary
  • Wearing items that are in constant contact with the affected area. For example, a cap, helmet, backpack – this can provoke an increase in the area of the inflammatory process [3].
  • Improper nutrition. Research shows that certain foods high in carbohydrates can worsen acne. These include chocolate, chips and other snacks, flour products[4].

Types of acne

  1. 1 Acne Is a species that occurs most often at the age of 12-16 years. A characteristic feature is inflammatory areas with small pustules on the face or body due to disruption of the sebaceous glands.
  2. 2 Comedones – the type of acne that forms when the follicles are blocked by hair, sebum, cosmetics, dead skin particles. May appear as black or white dots.
  3. 3 Black spots Is a type of open comedones. As a rule, they are easily removed at home with masks, scrubs and proper care.
  4. 4 White acne Are closed comedones. They are formed from a pore in which sebum accumulates and cannot come out. Because of this, a white point appears. By itself, it is not dangerous, but if bacteria get into it, this can provoke the development of an inflammatory process.
  5. 5 Papules Are inflamed comedones that appear as pink or red spots on the skin. They can cause unpleasant, painful sensations to touch. Attempts to squeeze them out can provoke increased inflammation or scarring of the skin.
  6. 6 Pustules – Another type of inflamed acne. It consists of a white head with a red area around it. Over time, it fills with white or yellow pus. Never squeeze out pustules – they can leave behind a scar or a dark spot.
  7. 7 Nodes – these are large inflamed bumps. They develop deep inside the skin and very often bring painful sensations. In case of appearance of this type of acne, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.
  8. 8 Cysts – These are relatively large lesions that resemble boils. Like nodules, they can be painful and require treatment as prescribed by a specialist.
  9. 9 Acne conglobata – This is perhaps one of the most severe forms of acne, characterized by a large number of rashes. It includes many inflamed nodules that are tied together under the skin. This species can affect the neck, chest, arms, and buttocks. It often leaves scars. This type of acne is more common in men and can sometimes be triggered by taking testosterone or steroids.[2].

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are the skin inflammation itself. These are redness, blackheads or white bulging pimples, abscesses. Sometimes they cause discomfort: pain when pressed, induration. They can be both in the form of bulges and even[4].

Complications of acne

The most common complication of acne is scars and scars that remain on the skin after squeezing or improper treatment, lack of care. Almost all types of acne can leave behind scars, but most often they occur after the most serious of the types – cysts and nodules rupture and affect the skin around them.

There are three main types of scars that remain after acne and acne:

  1. 1 Small deep holes on the surface of the skin that looks like the skin has been punctured with a sharp object.
  2. 2 Scar tissue stripsthat form under the skin, and give its surface an uneven appearance.
  3. 3 Round or oval depressions in the skinwhich resemble craters and tend to have a slightly distinctive hue.

Such unpleasant consequences can be avoided if you properly care for your skin, treat acne and in no case squeeze them out yourself.[3].

Common myths associated with acne

  • Acne appears from improper diet. Studies have shown that not all “wrong” foods cause rashes. So, for example, fatty foods do not affect the growth of acne. But working in the kitchen with vats in which food is fried can provoke rashes, since microscopic particles of oil can settle on the skin, clog follicles, and cause irritation.
  • Acne will not appear if you cleanse your skin every day. In fact, cleansing the skin too often several times a day with chemicals only makes it more vulnerable and provokes new breakouts.
  • The use of cosmetics leads to the appearance of acne and new blackheads. It is a myth. It is important to choose the right cosmetic products. Cosmetics that are oil-free and do not clog pores are especially effective in preventing acne. The main thing is that at the end of the day it is imperative to cleanse the skin of make-up, sebaceous glands and keratinized particles.[4].

Prevention and care of acne skin

  • Wash your face no more than twice a day with warm water and mild soap specifically designed for problem skin.
  • Do not injure the skin with strong friction, aggressive scrubs, or care products.
  • Never squeeze pimples out – this will provoke infection, which will lead to more blockage, swelling and redness.
  • Keep your phone away from your face when talking, as there are a lot of bacteria living on its surface.
  • Wash your hands often, especially before applying lotions, creams, or makeup.
  • If acne appears on your back, shoulders, or chest, wear loose clothing to help your skin breathe. Avoid tight-fitting synthetic clothing.
  • Choose cosmetics for sensitive skin and avoid oil-based products. Remove makeup before bed.
  • Keep your hair clean as it builds up sebum and keratinized particles.
  • When shaving, use an electric shaver or a sharp safety razor. Soften your skin and beard with warm, soapy water before applying the shaving cream.
  • Avoid anxiety and stress, as this can increase the production of cortisol and adrenaline, which trigger acne breakouts.

Acne treatment in mainstream medicine

Treatment for acne depends on how severe it is. So, blackheads can be removed by yourself using a special scrub and masks. Other mild pimples – small amounts of whiteheads or blackheads – can be treated with over-the-counter gels or creams that contain benzene peroxide.

But the treatment of severe acne can take from several weeks to several months. A combination of antibiotics and topical treatment is usually the first treatment option for severe acne. If that doesn’t work, the doctor may prescribe a drug. isotretinoin… Sometimes hormone pills are also prescribed to fight acne.[4].

Healthy foods for acne

Often, rashes are associated with the fact that the intestines are disrupted. He does not cope with the load, and the consequences of this are manifested in the work of the skin and sebaceous glands. So it is very important to get the digestive tract working properly. The following products will help with this:

  • Buckwheat, pearl barley, semolina, brown rice, cooked in water – they contain a large amount of dietary fiber.
  • Food bran is also able to clear acne from the skin and should be taken in 3-6 tablespoons. in a day.
  • Liver, lean beef in boiled or stewed form, seafood, asparagus – these are foods that contain a lot of zinc. They are able to improve the work of the sebaceous glands and thereby cleanse the skin of acne.
  • Carrots and carrot juice, apricots, black currants, spinach, greens contain a large amount of vitamin A, which also fights acne well.

It is important to cook food correctly, best of all in a multicooker or double boiler, so that the maximum amount of nutrients is preserved in it.

Traditional medicine for acne

  1. 1 An effective treatment for blackheads is a simple liquid honey mask. It should be applied in a thin layer on the face, and after 10-15 minutes, rinse off with warm water. Honey is a natural antiseptic that does not dry out the skin. The main thing is to make sure that you are not allergic to it before using.
  2. 2 If you apply simple lemon juice to problem areas and leave it on the skin for 15-20 minutes, it will have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. However, for people with sensitive skin, it is better to use more gentle methods. By the way, lemon is often used as an ingredient in acne masks along with other ingredients – honey or egg white.
  3. 3 Oatmeal is a versatile acne treatment as it is non-allergenic and suitable for all skin types. It has a moisturizing, antiseptic, tonic effect. You can prepare a wash mixture with ground oatmeal flakes and water. Or prepare masks from it by insisting flakes in sour cream or lemon juice.
  4. 4 Garlic is an effective anti-acne remedy with a detoxifying effect. It is achieved due to the high content of essential oils, vitamins and sulfur in garlic. Acne can be lubricated with a clove of garlic or prepared masks and compresses on its basis, mixing it with aloe, lemon juice, egg white.
  5. 5 A few drops of parsley juice should be mixed with an equal amount of lemon juice and applied pointwise to acne lesions.
  6. 6 Calendula tincture is an excellent remedy for acne. You need to pour a tablespoon of dried flowers with two glasses of boiling water, cover tightly, wrap with a towel and let it brew overnight. Then strain the infusion and wipe it over the skin of the face, neck, back, shoulders and other problem areas affected by the rash. This should be done at least 2 times a day.
  7. 7 To fight acne on the inner level, and reduce the amount of fat secreted by the skin, you need to take infusions of plants containing bitterness: wormwood, aspen leaves.
  8. 8 To get rid of blackheads, and not to allow dirt, particles of cosmetics to clog pores, you need to regularly, once or twice a week, do cleansing scrubs. They can be bought in a store or prepared at home by mixing honey with an “exfoliating” ingredient – coffee, sugar.
  9. 9 Aloe leaves not only help fight acne, but also make the skin firmer, fresher. It is important to use this remedy correctly. Cut a few leaves from the tree-like aloe and let them sit in the refrigerator for 10 days. Then squeeze out some juice, and wipe the problem areas with it. Please note that you cannot store aloe juice, as it loses its beneficial properties. Therefore, what has not been used, it is better to just throw it away.

Dangerous and harmful foods for acne

As mentioned above, foods containing large amounts of carbohydrates are a factor affecting the appearance of acne and acne. Therefore, during treatment and recovery, the use of such products should be completely excluded:

  • White bread;
  • chips, fast food;
  • rolls, cookies, cakes and other baked goods;
  • sweets, in particular chocolate;
  • coffee – this drink provokes the production of the hormone cortisol, which is also actively produced during outbreaks of stress. And stress, as we know, provokes the appearance of rashes.

You also need to review your diet and give up foods that can increase blood cholesterol levels, and start more active work of the sebaceous glands. Namely:

  • mayonnaise, ketchup and other sauces with preservatives;
  • smoked products;
  • spices and spices.
Information sources
  1. Article: “Acne: What you need to know”, source
  2. Article: “Slideshow: Acne Visual Dictionary” Source
  3. Article: “Acne”, source
  4. Article: “Acne”, source
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The administration is not responsible for any attempt to use the information provided, and does not guarantee that it will not harm you personally. The materials cannot be used to prescribe treatment and make a diagnosis. Always consult your specialist doctor!

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