Be good to your skin. You’ll wear it every day for the rest of your life. - Anonymous

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What is acne?

Acne is a condition in which red, inflamed spots, which may be filled with pus, appear on the skin. Acne occurs when your skin pores become plugged with greasy secretions causing whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. These lesions are most common on the face, but may also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms.

Possible Causes: 

Acne causes are linked to pores in the skin getting clogged. This clog begins with dead skin cells. When the body secretes excessive sebum, the dead skin cells remain inside the pore instead of being shed. Sometimes bacteria that live on our skin, p. acnes, also get inside the clogged pore, causing it to become inflamed. When this inflammation goes deep into the skin, an acne cyst or nodule appears.

Risk Factors: 

Acne is one of the most common skin problems. Risk factors that increase the chances of getting acne are:

  • Hormonal changes, typically seen at puberty or pregnancy or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women.
  • Certain medications, such as birth control pills or corticosteroids.
  • A diet that is high in dairy products and refined sugars or carbohydrates, such as bread and chips.
  • Hereditary factors.

Signs & Symptoms: 

Blemishes of many different types that appear on the face, back, chest, neck, shoulders, upper arms and buttocks could be acne symptoms. These could be pustules (commonly called pimples), or blackheads, whiteheads, papules, cysts or nodules.

Diagnosis: 

At Medcare, a skin specialist will determine if the condition is acne, as other conditions may have similar symptoms. Then the specialist will grade the acne – grade 1 for mild and grade 4 for severe, and also analyse acne causes.

Treatment Options: 

Medcare's dermatologist in Dubai & Sharjah may prescribe topical medication for external use, or an acne treatment prescription. Medications may include antibiotics, hormones (oral contraceptive pills for hormonal acne or PCOS) or isotretinoin to be taken orally. 

Acne can also be treated with procedures such as laser treatment, light therapy, chemical peels or acne removal procedure.  Inform your dermatologist if you are pregnant as Isotretinoin is usually not prescribed during pregnancy.

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FAQs:

الأسئلة الشائعة:

Inclusions:

  • What are some good practices or acne home remedies?

    A: There are some skin care routines that you can follow to keep acne under control.

    • Clean your skin regularly using a mild soap oil control cleanser that has AHA or BHA exfoliating properties.
    • Keep your hair clean and away from your face.
    • If you use makeup, look for products that are water-based or labelled “noncomedogenic”, meaning they don’t clog your pores.
    • Don’t squeeze or pick pimples, as this causes them to spread and leave post inflammatory dark spots. 
    • Avoid wearing hats or tight headbands.
    • Avoid touching your face frequently.
    • Monitor your diet and drink plenty of water.
  • Can scars resulting from acne be treated?

    A: Yes, there are treatments that can get rid of scars caused by acne. Your dermatologist may recommend chemical peels that remove the top layer of the skin. Lasers could be used to give your skin a more even surface.

    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be taken from your own blood and injected into scars to get rid of them. At Medcare Dermatology centre, you can discuss your acne and your scars with your skin specialist.

  • What are some factors that aggravate acne?

    A: Acne may be triggered or aggravated due to:

    • Hormones: hormonal changes affect sebum production and may worsen acne.
    • Medications: certain medications such as corticosteroids or testosterone may worsen acne in some people.
    • Diet: carbohydrate rich food can aggravate acne.
    • Stress: stress can cause acne to worsen.
  • Why does pregnancy aggravate acne among some women?

    A: Some women may be troubled by acne during pregnancy. This could be due to overproduction of sebum due to the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy. When treating pregnancy acne, it is important to know which medications are safe to use, so it’s best to consult a dermatologist.

  • What is the best treatment for acne?

    A: There are different types of acne, and the treatment for each type varies. However, the most common kind is called Acne Vulgaris. Gentle cleansing of the face and application of over-the-counter acne products are considered some of the most common treatment options for acne. 

    It is important to understand, however, that there is no way to say which the best treatment for acne is as it depends on the type and other factors, such as whether the acne is due to puberty or the use of certain medication.
     
    A course of treatment is suggested based on what works on the type of acne you have. This could be using the right skincare products, medicine for hormonal imbalances, laser treatment, etc.

    To know what the best treatment is for your acne, visit Medcare and consult a specialist for the best and effective treatment.
     

  • Can acne be cured?

    A: Acne is one of the most common skin issues. Although most acne cases are caused by puberty, it doesn’t mean that adults don’t get acne. Taking certain medicines can also trigger acne as a side-effect. 

    While there is no way to prevent acne or cure it, you can effectively treat the condition and reduce its effects. In some cases, acne can go away naturally or through over the counter medication. However, there are numerous cases with severe acne that require thorough treatment. 

    A combined treatment of ointments or creams and customised procedures can drastically reduce the appearance of acne, giving you clear and blemish-free skin.

    Need effective treatment for acne? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
     

  • Does acne go away naturally?

    A: If your acne has been brought on because of hormonal changes that the body undergoes during puberty, then yes, it will eventually clear up on its own. However, many adults, especially women do suffer from acne, which does not go away naturally. 

    These may be due to various imbalances in the body and they may require expert treatment. Your dermatologist may prescribe over the counter medication to treat acne or scarring or employ a combination of techniques to help reduce acne. It is best to get treatment earlier to avoid scarring and other consequential issues.

    Need effective and safe treatment for acne? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
     

  • How do I know if I have hormonal acne?

    A: When the body undergoes severe changes such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause; numerous hormonal changes occur within the body too. Such hormonal changes can trigger acne in your body. 

    If your acne flares up during a life stage where hormonal changes are common, such as puberty, then you know it’s hormonal acne. Acne around the jawline and chin area can also be caused due to hormonal changes. You may even see acne popping up during stressful times as the stress hormone - cortisol - triggers acne. Lastly, if you get breakouts around the same time of the month, it could be hormonal due to its cyclical nature. Your best solution is to consult a doctor to curb the condition at the earliest.

    Need to treat your hormonal acne? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
     

  • Can Hormonal Acne Be Cured?

    A: Hormonal acne or Acne Vulgaris is a condition that is caused by hormonal homeostasis or hormonal imbalance in the body. The main cause of hormonal acne is an increase in the level of testosterone, which triggers an increase in sebum production, which is the root cause of acne.

  • What is the right treatment for Hormonal Acne?

    A: In the case of severe hormonal acne issues, such as cysts and nodules, which are painful lumps located deep inside the skin, seeking professional help is important. The treatments offered at Medcare range from laser therapy to extractions. We examine your condition with extreme care and depending on the severity of your acne, suggest the right treatment plan.

    Want a cure for your skin issues? Book an appointment with a Medcare Dermatologist today!
     

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