Acne (Pimples): Causes, Treatments
Today, in a world where most people are very conscious about how they look, Acne, also known as pimples is a very serious cause of concern among our youths. It is mostly seen among teenagers and adolescents.
What is Acne?
Acne, commonly called pimples, is a skin condition characterized by a wide variety of rashes. These rashes are caused by excessive sebum accumulation which leads to bacterial overgrowth in the skin.
Sebum: is an oily substance produced by the skin, which helps to keep the skin moist and protects it from dust.
This condition is seen more commonly in the face, chest, upper back, and shoulders but can happen anywhere on the skin.
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What causes Acne (pimples)?
Four main things can cause acne (pimples)
- Excess oil production in the skin
- Plugging of hair follicles by oil and dead skin cells
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Hormones
What can worsen acne?
Some things can make pimples worse than before. They are;
- Increased Hormones: usually noticed during the adolescent/puberty stages (especially during teenage years, menses, and pregnancy)
- Foods are mostly dairy products, chocolates, or high-carbon foods.
- Stress
- Friction and pressure (tight clothing, using tough sponges)
- Oily substances (using very oily lotions and creams, coming in contact with grease or oil)
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Simple home remedies for Acne (pimples)
- Wash the area regularly with a gentle cleanser (or soap) and clean water. See how to wash your face here.
- You can apply a little toothpaste overnight over the pimple.
- Egg white masks
- Honey masks
- Baking soda masks
How to prevent acne (pimples)
- Wash your face (and upper body) at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser/soap and clean water
- Scrub vulnerable areas with gentle scrubs and avoid friction
- Take low-calorie diet
- Take food rich in vitamin A and vitamin E e.g palm oil, carrots, garlic
- Minimize intake of dairy products and chocolate
- Reduce stress
- Exercise regularly
Treatment For Acne (pimples)
If your condition does not improve, you should see a doctor (dermatologist) who is a specialist in conditions affecting the skin.
What your doctor can do for you
Your doctor may prescribe;
Topical medication; Retinoids, Antibiotics (Erythromycin, Clindamycin, with benzoyl peroxide), Salicylic acid and azelaic acid, Dapsone cream.
Oral medication: Antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, clarithromycin, etc), Combined oral contraceptives (COCP/ the pill), Anti-androgen agents, (spironolactone), Isotretinoin.
How to feel about Acne (pimples)
- They are normal, so don’t feel like you’re abnormal.
- Avoid touching them, you’ll only make them worse.
- They are curable so don’t lose hope
- Sometimes, they resolve on their own, so give it time.
- When it doesn’t resolve or gets worse, please see a doctor.
- Some are really ‘stubborn’ but nothing your dermatologists can’t handle. Give them time.
- Be careful what you use on your skin, it is the window to your body.
- Take care of your skin, it reflects what you are within.
Feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments, and I’ll do my best to get back to you.
