Dynamic Homeopath Blog

Having any kind of skin condition is very bothersome. A small scar or pimple can cause stress. One of the most common skin conditions is acne. Anyone can have acne and any age. But what is acne? Our skin has tiny holes known as pores. When these pores get blocked by bacteria, dirt, dead skin, or oil, it develops a pimple. If you are getting pimples often on your skin then you have acne. In simple words, acne is the term for a skin condition that causes pimples. It is a very common condition and about 9.4 percent of people around the globe have acne. This is not a very severe condition that causes harm to life. But acne can be very painful and can cause scarring. Along with this, acne often leads to emotional distress. Acne can appear on any body bold part. But they mostly appear in visible body locations like the face as the face gets all the dirt. Many people can get anxiety or depression due to acne. 

Different types of acne

If you have acne issues then you may have noticed different types of pimples. The most common types of acne lesions are blackheads and whiteheads. Whiteheads are closed comedones and appear as raised bumps under the skin’s surface. These pimples appear flesh-colored. Meanwhile, blackheads are open comedones on the skin’s surface. The oxygen in the air provides a darker appearance. The scarring problem mainly occurs due to inflammatory lesions. Papules are red and raised bumps that are caused due to infected hair follicles. Nodules are solid and painful lumps that develop beneath the skin’s surface. Pustules are red pimples with pus at the tips. Whereas, cysts are large lumps beneath the skin. Cysts are usually very painful. 

Symptoms of acne

Acne can appear anywhere in the body and the symptoms depend on the severity and type of acne condition. Most people get acne issues in the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. These pimples can make your skin rough and uneven. A person can experience symptoms like:

• Skin discoloration
• Dark patches or spots
• Swelling 
• Inflammation
• Pain and tenderness

Acne breakouts can also cause permanent scarring or discoloration. People often pop pimples on their faces. But this can increase the chances of getting scars. You should never pop or squeeze pimples. 

What causes acne?

Acne mainly occurs due to four reasons:

• Excess sebum production
• Bacteria
• Clogged hair follicles
• Inflammation

Acne mainly appears on the forehead, chest, face, and upper back. This is because these areas have the most oil glands and hair follicles are connected to these glands. Whitehead appears when the follicle wall gets bulged. The oil gland releases sebum that travels to the hair. This sebum keeps your skin soft and lubricated. But any small problem can cause acne instead of lubrication. Acne appears when the follicle produces an extra amount of oil or when dead skin cells fill the pores. Sometimes bacteria build up in the pores and can cause acne. 

What are the risk factors for acne?

There are a few factors that increase the chances of getting acne. Some of the risk factors for acne are:

• Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy
• Cigarette smoking
• Stress
• PCOS and other endocrine issues 
• Creams, moisturizers, or cleanser with high oil content 
• Genetics

Certain medicines like hormonal birth control, and anticonvulsants. Steroids, etc.

Most people get acne issues during puberty as the body faces lots of hormonal changes. These hormonal changes often trigger oil production and trigger acne.

Treatment options for acne

Medications

Medications for acne depend on the type and severity of acne. You can use medication creams and cleanses to treat them. These acne creams and gels mainly contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. For moderate acne, your dermatologist may prescribe strength benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and retinoids. Sometimes the doctor may suggest hormonal birth control medicines to manage acne. If the acne condition is severe, doctors often suggest oral antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics.  

Homeopathy 

Homeopathy is also very helpful in treating acne. Talk to a homeopathy doctor New York and get proper treatment for your condition. Your homeopath will ask you questions like diet, environment, hormonal changes, emotional condition, etc. He will provide you with a tailored prescription to treat the condition. Homeopathy may take more time to treat acne but can be very helpful in preventing recurrence. 

Medical procedures 

Some medical procedures are available to treat acne conditions. These procedures remove damaged skin and reduce oil production. Photodynamic therapy uses some medications and a special light to reduce oil production. Dermabrasion is a type of skin exfoliation that removes the top layer of the skin. Your dermatologist may suggest a chemical peel to reduce acne. In this procedure, the top skin layer is removed to reveal less damaged skin. This is a very helpful procedure to manage mild acne scarring.