Adult Acne

What is Adult Acne?

Adult acne is when excessive secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands accompanies the plugging of the pores with naturally occurring dead skin cells blocking hair follicles. Oil secretions are said to build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and the lipophilic yeast Malassezia to multiply uncontrollably. In response to the bacterial and yeast populations, the skin inflames, producing the visible acne lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are especially affected. The typical acne lesions are:

Comedones: A plugged hair follicle, may be open (Blackheads) or nearly closed (Whiteheads)

Pustules: Collection of pus that has accumulated in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials.

Nodules: A small aggregation of cells.

Cystic Acne: One of the more severe forms. These are more inflamed and pus-filled or reddish bumps, which can easily lead to scarring or serious infections.

images

What treatment options are available?

Topical Treatments:

  • Benzoyl Peroxide: This antiseptic reduces bacteria on the skin surface, helps with whiteheads and blackheads, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Apply it once or twice a day to affected areas after washing your face. Be cautious of sun exposure, as benzoyl peroxide makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Topical Retinoids (Tretinoin and Adapalene): These remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, preventing them from clogging hair follicles. They’re effective for mild to moderate acne.

  1. Oral Medications:

    • Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics (such as azithromycin, tetracycline, or amoxicillin) can help prevent bacterial infection and reduce inflammation.
    • Hormonal Therapies: For women, hormonal treatments like the combined contraceptive pill can be effective in managing acne. However, progestogen-only pills or contraceptive implants may worsen acne.
  • Extraction of Pimples: Special tools can be used to clear clogged pores, particularly whiteheads and blackheads.
  • Phototherapy (Intense Pulsed Light): This reduces inflammation by using fixed-frequency light.
  • Chemical Peels: These promote exfoliation and prevent hair follicles from clogging by applying chemical agents ( suc has alpha and beta hydroxy acids to the affectedskin.

When treating acne consistency in the key , it may take a few months before a significant improvement is seen.

A healthcare professional can advise on the best treatments for your needs and assist in laying out an individual  treatment plan

We will get back to you as soon as possible