Acne is a common problem among adolescents and young adults. Acne is a skin condition characterized by red pimples on the skin due to inflamed infected sebaceous glands.It is commonly seen the the face, neck, chest and back.
The cause of acne is multifactorial. Acne can be divided into non-inflammatory (open and closed comedones also known as blackheads and whiteheads) and inflammatory (papules, pustules and nodules) lesions. It present at different severity and stages. Genetic factors, obesity, unhealthy diet, hormonal imbalance, stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and physical irritants like mask contributes to risk of developing acne.
These are the common major types of acne including comedonal acne, inflammatory acne, nodulocystic acne, hormonal acne, and pityrosporum folliculitis.
At Sheen Clinic, treatments can be divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological.
Pharmacological treatment can be divided into two:- induction therapy and maintenance therapy. Examples of pharmacological treatment includes topical medication(eg. Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinoids, Antibiotics, Salicylic acid, Azelaic acid, etc), oral medications (eg. Antibiotics, isotretinoin), and intralesional corticosteroid injection.
Non-pharmacological treatment includes laser, chemical peels (eg. Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid) and comedone extraction. Treatments usually varies in each individual according to the severity of acne/acne scar and skin condition.
*Isotretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its teratogenic effect*
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