Inflamed Acne and Approaches to Management
Acne is a common skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide every year. It predominantly occurs during adolescence and can have far-reaching psychological impact, including lowered self-esteem and depression. Among the different types of acne, inflamed acne is one that can be particularly difficult to manage.
Inflamed acne, also referred to as inflammatory acne, is characterized by red, swollen lesions that can be painful to touch. These acne lesions can range from mild to severe and mostly occur on the face but can appear on other areas like the back, chest, and shoulders. Common types of inflamed acne include papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
Papules, which are small, red bumps, and pustules that are similar but contain pus, are at the milder end of the spectrum. However, nodules and cysts are larger, deeper, and more painful and can cause scarring if not treated correctly.
So what causes inflamed acne? The underlying mechanisms are multifactorial. They involve an overproduction of sebum (oil) in the sebaceous glands, irregular shedding of dead skin cells resulting in irritation of the hair follicles, and a build-up of bacteria.
The overactive sebaceous glands produce excess sebum which, coupled with irregular shedding of dead skin cells, creates a conducive environment for bacterial growth. The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) takes advantage of this environment, leading to inflammation, redness, and swelling, which are seen in inflamed acne.
Managing Inflamed Acne
Despite its seeming daunting nature, various treatment options effectively manage inflamed acne. These include over-the-counter treatments, prescription medications, certain lifestyle changes, and home remedies. Over-the-counter medications include creams, gels, lotions, and soaps containing benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur.
Prescription medications can be topical or oral and may include retinoids, antibiotics, or even oral contraceptives for women. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a regular facial cleansing routine, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep can also significantly impact the improvement of inflamed acne.
More Severe Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Acne is not the only skin condition characterized by inflammation. Other more severe and painful conditions have inflammation as a central symptom. One such condition is Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
HS is a long-term skin condition that features small, painful lumps under the skin. The lumps typically develop where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breasts. While the exact cause is unknown, HS tends to start after puberty and persist for years.
Although inflamed acne and HS are separate conditions, they share similarities in the type of inflammation and potential for psychological impact. Consequently, understanding inflamed acne can offer insights for those suffering from severe conditions like HS.
One may wonder how to cure hidradenitis suppurativa. However, it’s important to note that currently, there’s no known cure for HS. However, treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms, prevent new HS lumps, and prevent complications.