ACNE AND FORMS OF ACNE — THE DIFFERENT TYPES, THEIR SPECIAL FEATURES AND SYMPTOMS
Annoying acne pimples and unsightly blackheads can show up at virtually any stage of our lives. It can even affect babies. And even if you think that you are finally “through” with the subject after puberty, an acne outbreak can still occur at the age of 30 or later.
There are many different forms of acne. They are differentiated on the one hand according to the age phases in which they occur, and on the other hand according to the severity of their symptoms and their cause.
What is ACNE?
Acne is a common disease of the sebum gland and hair follicles in the skin. Up to 95% of young people are affected. If the course is weak, initially only non-inflammatory blackheads (so-called comedones) appear. If the course is more severe, more noticeable inflammatory symptoms such as pimples, papules, pustules and lumps can develop. Here we explain the causes of acne in more detail.
How does acne develop?
The initial triggers for acne are so-called microinflammations (i.e. the smallest, invisible inflammation) in the skin. Hormonal changes (e.g. during puberty), environmental influences, but also drugs can then lead to an increase in the production of horny cells and sebum — the basis for the growth of bacteria, which ultimately lead to visible inflammation (pimples). Here you can find out what affects acne.
The different forms of acne
So-called “endogenous” acne are types that are caused by the body’s own, which is not externally brought about. These types of acne can in principle occur at any age, especially in prepubescent and advanced adulthood, especially hormonal disorders.
1.Acne comedonica
Occurs where?
Mainly on the face on the forehead, nose and cheeks, less often on the back.
Symptoms
- The complexion is characterized by blackheads and at most a few, very slight inflammations (papules).
- Acne comedonica in adolescence (including acne vulgaris) usually heals without consequences after the end of puberty.
Scarring?
Mostly very little
2.Papulo-pustular acne
Occurs where?
Mainly on the face on the forehead, nose and cheeks, less often on the back.
Symptoms
- A moderately severe to more severe, inflammatory form of acne.
- Blackheads are clearly visible on the skin.
- The inflammation is not yet so pronounced, but can sometimes reach deeper into the tissue.
- Red or purulent nodules, pustules and papules form from the comedones.
Scarring?
Scarring as a result of the inflammatory processes is possible.
3.Acne conglobata
Occurs where?
Mainly on the face on the forehead, nose and cheeks, less often on the back.
Symptoms
- The most severe form of acne.
- Large inflammatory lumps, papules, and pustules appear
- Abscesses may appear that flow together.
- Fistula formation is possible.
Scarring?
There is a risk of significant scarring.
Acne Fulminans
Occurs where?
Mainly on the face on the forehead, nose and cheeks, less often on the back.
4.Symptoms
- Very rare form of acne
- Also known as acne maligna.
- Similar to Acne Conglobata in terms of severity.
- In addition, however, fever, joint inflammation and leukocytosis can also occur
Scarring?
There is a risk of significant scarring.
ACNE TREATMENT — WHAT WILL HELP WITH ACNE?
Do you have any more severe form of acne? Then it is definitely worthwhile for you to talk to your doctor about acne drug therapy. In this article you will learn more about the different options, medications and possible side effects.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective acne creams and tablets available today — from topical ointments for the milder symptoms to oral medication for the stubborn cases.
If you are prescribed acne therapy in good time and, above all, stick to it consistently, the symptoms will gradually decrease and the risk of permanent skin damage, such as acne scars, will decrease.
The Most Common Methods: How to Treat Acne?
Basically, there are different ways to counteract blemished, acne-prone skin:
- Conscientious cleaning and care for blemished, acne-prone skin
- Lifestyle and diet
- Medicines such as ointments and tablets for acne
Appropriate skin care should always be the basis of any acne treatment. But you can also counteract acne with the right diet, exercise can also influence acne and of course stress can also affect your acne
Which drugs and therapies help against acne?
First of all, the dermatologist will carefully examine your skin and ask you about the course of the illness, in particular previous therapies and duration of illness. He then selects one or more suitable therapies or drugs for the treatment of acne that work specifically against the underlying factors of the acne skin.
- Decrease in sebum production to reduce the increased sebum production (seborrhea).
- Promotes peeling to reduce the thickening of the top layer of skin (hyperkeratosis).
- Reduction of microbial colonization to prevent inflammation.
- Relief from existing inflammation.
What should you watch out for in acne treatment?
The acne therapy is based on national and international recommendations for action. One would like to ensure that all doctors and dermatologists apply the same treatment standards. Based on these guidelines *, doctors receive information on which treatments (whether alone or in combination) are recommended for the individual skin symptoms and the respective severity. In doing so, they take into account the severity, different skin types, gender and possible treatment alternatives.
WITH EVERY TYPE OF TREATMENT, MEDICINE OR NOT, IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED THAT THE EFFECT WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER A CERTAIN TIME. THEREFORE STAY AT IT!
As a rule, acne treatment starts after four to eight weeks, but sometimes only after three months. Occasionally, the symptoms may initially worsen or the acne therapy may cause local skin irritation. Perseverance is a prerequisite for effective treatment. Do not get discouraged. The most important thing is: persevere! Consistently maintain the prescribed therapy with daily cleaning and care. Even if there is no immediate improvement — after a while the success will definitely be visible.
These skin care products help with possible acne treatment side effects
Acne treatment with medication can cause undesirable effects.
In the case of externally applied drugs, possible side effects are: redness, burning, stinging, dryness and reactions due to increased sensitivity to light.
Medicines that are taken can lead to drying of the skin and mucous membranes, dry lips, possible initial deterioration of the skin condition, irritation of the conjunctiva and sensitivity to light .
IN MY EXPERIENCE, THESE SIDE EFFECTS ARE OFTEN THE TRIGGER THAT MANY AFFECTED PEOPLE CANCEL THEIR THERAPY EARLY
Benefit for the skin: therapy-accompanying care
Even and especially when you have your acne treated with medication, it depends on care that is tailored to your skin. A therapy-accompanying moisturizer is ideal as a care supplement to an acne therapy to provide intensive moisture, to alleviate skin irritations and thereby bring the skin back under control.
What should you watch out for in acne treatment?
The acne therapy is based on national and international recommendations for action. One would like to ensure that all doctors and dermatologists apply the same treatment standards. Based on these guidelines *, doctors receive information on which treatments (whether alone or in combination) are recommended for the individual skin symptoms and the respective severity. In doing so, they take into account the severity, different skin types, gender and possible treatment alternatives.
Read more about optimal care for blemished skin .
Sufficient sun protection is particularly important for acne therapy, as the substances used are e.g. B. Doxycycline or retinoids make the skin sensitive to light.
