Understanding Acne and Reversing the Damage to the Skin. Acne troubling you?  Is it impacting your self-confidence? Acne is easily manageable and treatable.

Acne troubling you?  Is it impacting your self-confidence? Acne is easily manageable and treatable. Let’s understand what this common skin condition is and how we can overcome it with ease.

What causes Acne?

Our body produces Sebum, an oily substance that lubricates our hair and our skin. Acne is developed when this Sebum along with the dead skin cells plug the hair follicles. Once this happens it can lead to the formation of pimples that can further be aggravated with bacterial infection.

Sebum prevents the hair and skin from going dry but when the body starts producing too much of the substance, it mixes with the dead skin cells and plug the follicle. This plugged follicle then bulges out from the skin forming a whitehead or a blackhead. When these plugged follicles are infected by bacteria then it can result in the painful formation of papules, pustules or cysts on the skin surface.

Acne is commonly believed to be triggered by the hormone testosterone. During puberty the increased levels of testosterone stimulates the enhanced secretion of sebum which may in turn boost the possibility of acne.

Acne can be contributed by genetics as well! If acne has been the norm with either or both of your parents then there is a strong possibility you too will get acne. Needless to say that the probability of you getting acne increases manifold if Both of your parents had it.

It has been found that women are more likely to have acne than men due to the hormonal fluctuations that a woman experiences at certain times like just before the start of the periods, during pregnancy and other conditions that can lead to a flare up of the hormones.

Acne can also be caused by certain medications and cosmetic products, by regular friction caused by certain wears and in some cases due to smoking.

How is Acne treated?

In certain cases, Acne can faze out on its own. But many times acne does last for a long time and can leave scars not just on the skin but psychologically as well. While there are ample numbers of home-remedies that are suggested to treat acne, few are really successful.

Acne is not always caused by a bad diet. Though there is considerable contention over the matter in the scientific community. A well balanced diet can help you stay healthy but may rarely help you overcome the root causes of Acne. While washing and scrubbing your face can help you get rid of the whiteheads and blackheads it may not be the actual answer to its treatment.

Acne can vary from the more common mild form to moderate to the more painful severe forms. Mild acne can be treated with over the counter topical creams containing Benzoyl peroxide. Creams or gels containing Benzoyl peroxide help to reduce the presence of bacteria on the skin surface and also works on reducing the number of white and blackheads on the face.

The moderate to severe forms should be treated by a proper dermatologist to ensure there is a quick recovery and there is no scarring. The initial treatment for acne includes medicines like; Topical retinoids and antibiotics, azelaic acid and others. In the severe form a person may require a combination treatment which will include hormonal therapy as well.

Retinoids

Topical retinoids help in removing dead skin cells from the surface being treated. This helps in preventing the dead skin cells from building up with the Sebum and clogging the follicles. Gels and creams containing retinoid should be used as prescribed by the doctor and should never be taken without a proper consultation.

Antibiotics

Topical creams with antibiotics are suggested to rid the skin of bacteria that could possibly infect the build of dead skin and sebum at the hair follicles. One should always keep in mind that an antibiotic treatment should always be taken in full and should never be stopped in between to ensure the bacteria does not become resistant to the antibiotic making your acne worse.

Azelaic acid

Creams or gels containing Azelaic acid are often used in place of topical retinoids. It helps in removing dead skin cells from the affected area while killing the bacteria present there. This double impact of the treatment helps in addressing both the build-up and the possible infection of the follicles.

Hormonal treatment

Hormonal treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis by the doctor. Hormonal therapy often becomes the most effective treatment especially for women who experience heightened acne spurts during their periods or conditions related hormonal flare ups.

While all of these treatments and specific medications are most commonly used for acne, they are not suitable for everyone. To opt for any skin treatment it is best that you consult with a dermatologist. As we have mentioned, every skin type is unique and the environment that it is exposed to will definitely vary from person to person. Hence it is the best idea to consult a professional before you take any over the counter medication for your acne.

It goes without saying that acne cannot be treated overnight. For any kind of treatment for acne to be effective, medications should be followed for over weeks to see visible results. It is very important that every prescribed medication is taken as per the course suggested and not given up midway.

Rejuvenate Health Multispecialty clinic offers you multiple procedures to help you overcome this skin condition. Not only that with the well planned treatment as per your skin type Rejuvenate Health Multispecialty clinic’s specialists ensure that you do not suffer from such bouts in the future too. You can consult our specialists online anytime from anywhere or book an appointment to have a direct consultation.

Don’t let Acne scar you and your confidence in any way. Acne is treatable and you can get back to the glowing skin that you always knew and wanted, with the right medications. Contact us today.

Here are some typical monsoon fungal diseases and some treatment advice. Read on to learn more about enjoying a healthy monsoon.

Introduction

The monsoon’s alluring splendour brings with it a number of skin-related problems in the form of fungal infections, thanks to the damp weather.

The humid, moist, and damp weather is ideal for the growth and reproduction of numerous fungi to flourish and spread diseases.

If left untreated, the fungal infection can worsen into skin conditions that result in intense itching, scarring, rash, and redness.

From smelly feet to fungus nails to ringworm, there are many fungal infections associated with the monsoon season. 

If you have diabetes, are older than 65, have skin injuries, frequently wear artificial nails, or have a weaker immune system, you are at risk for fungal infections. 

To avoid the risk, you must be aware of them and take protective steps. Here are some typical monsoon fungal diseases and some treatment advice.

Eczema

In the monsoon, eczema experiences a severe flare-up. This might be caused by bacteria growth, humid conditions, and moist skin.

You must avoid getting wet in the rain if you have a history of seborrheic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms of eczema

• Inflammation of skin
• Redness and itchiness of the skin
• Rough and cracked skin 
• Formation of blisters

Prevention of eczema

• Regularly moisturise your skin
• Try not to perspire or become too heated
• Take steps to reduce your stress 
• Wool and other irritants should be avoided
• Avoid using abrasive soaps, detergents, or cleaners
• Apply virgin coconut oil right away to soothe the skin 
• Apply an anti-fungal moisturiser to the skin

Athlete’s foot

If you have sweaty foot issues, you need to be careful of the athlete’s foot. This is a contagious fungal infection that thrives in a warm, moist environment.

It affects the skin on the feet, particularly in the space between the toes. It can spread to the toenails and sometimes the hands.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot

• Itching
• Stinging
• Burning
• Blisters on the feet
• Cracking and peeling of involved skin
• Discoloured, thick, and crumbly toenails

Prevention of athlete’s foot

• Use antifungal powder on your feet daily. 
• Don’t let anyone use your shoes, socks, or towels.
• Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and make sure to dry them completely, especially in between your toes.
• Wear open-toed shoes during the rainy season, and sprinkle the antifungal powder on your feet after washing.
• In public restrooms, around swimming pools, and in other public areas, wear sandals.
• Wear socks made of breathable materials like cotton or wool, and replace them every day.
• Wear shoes made of breathable materials and go barefoot at home to allow your feet to air out.
• Wear two pairs of shoes alternately, switching between each pair every other day to give your shoes time to air dry between us.

Ringworm

Another common monsoon infection, ringworm causes round, scaly, crusted patches on the skin. It typically affects the feet, neck, and underarms.

The wearing of wet clothing may be the cause of this. It is an infectious condition that spreads from person to person by contact with diseased skin, sharing of combs, brushes, and other personal care products, as well as clothing.

Symptoms of ringworm

• Itching
• Red, scaly, cracked skin
• Darkening of the skin
• Fissures
• Red rashes or scaly patches
• Blister-like lesions on the border

Prevention of ringworm

• Make sure you wear dry, loose, comfortable clothing that allows air to move through to avoid developing ringworm
• Avoid tight clothes, jeans, wet or damp clothes
• If at all feasible, add some disinfectant to the wash cycle
• Apply antifungal cream and powder to the affected area 
• Never scratch the skin because doing so could aggravate the infection and cause an unsightly scar.

Fungal nail infection

Infections of the nail caused by fungi are most common during the monsoon season. Although they are not serious, they can be difficult to treat.

Usually, they begin at the cuticle around the nail, which becomes swollen, red, and tender to the touch.

Symptoms of fungal nail infection

• Nail discolouration, thickening, or brittle
• The distorted shape of the nail
• A dark colour, caused by debris building up under your nail
• Smelling foul odour from the nail
• Pain or discomfort, particularly when using the affected toe or finger

Prevention of nail fungal nail infection

• Keep your nails clean and well-trimmed 
• Avoid wearing shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot by keeping them dry and clean
• Put on fresh socks each day
• Never exchange towels, shoes, or clippers

Final thoughts

The majority of fungal infections are not life-threatening and can be treated with ease if diagnosed early and treated in time. However, delaying a dermatologist consultation can increase the risk and severity of the condition.

Additionally, the use of over-the-counter steroid-containing combo creams makes the infection more complicated, making it persistent and challenging to cure. It may also cause irreparable skin damage. 

If you tend to experience skin rashes, especially during the monsoon, see a certified dermatologist right once to receive prompt treatment and enjoy the season without hassle.

Moreover, you should also frequently opt for health screening. It provides you with vital insights into your health, allowing you to take necessary measures to improve it.

In one word acne is such a pain! Let’s begin with an understanding of what exactly acne is and how it occurs.

What is acne?

Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is basically a skin condition that develops due to the clogging of hair follicles. The skin pores get clogged with oil, dust, or dead skin cells, which may lead to blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps on the skin, or pus-filled pimples. 

Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.

Different types of acne

The most common acne lesions are whiteheads and blackheads, also known as comedones.

• Whiteheads or closed comedones – small and under the surface of the skin 
• Blackheads or open comedones- black-coloured and visible on the surface. 

Inflammatory acne lesions are more likely to cause scars, which include-

• Papules (raised lesions)
• Pustules (raised lesions with pus)
• Cysts (nodules filled with pus or fluid)

Acne is most common among teenagers, however, adults also tend to get acne during their 30s, 40s, or even 50s. Pimples are the worst or most embarrassing thing you all get especially when you hit puberty.

As it’s truly said- “Adolescence is just one big walking pimple”

In fact, there are some myths and misconceptions about acne, such as-

Myth #1: Acne is caused by a poor diet

Fact:  As yet, research has not found any foods that cause acne. 

Myth #2: Squeezing blackheads, and whiteheads are the best way to get rid of acne

 No, in fact doing this can actually make your symptoms worse and leave you with a scar.

Myth #3: Sexual activity can influence acne’–

Fact is, sexual activity or masturbation has literally nothing to do anything with acne.

Myth #4: Acne is infectious

 No, acne is non-contagious and can not pass to another person.

Causes of acne

Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked. 

Androgens are the sex hormones, which rise especially during puberty, thus leading to the enlargement of the sebaceous glands and the production of more oil and sebum than required. Excessive sebum blocks the hair follicles or pores and leads to the formation of acne or pimple.

Still, there are other multiple factors also that can flare up acne, such as-

• Medications– Certain medicines including steroids, brain disorders-related medicines, anti-epileptic medicines, etc.
• Some cosmetic products– Since acne-prone skin is very sensitive, it is suggested to use dermatologically tested products, especially which are non-comedogenic so that they don’t clog the skin pores.
• Smoking– Can also contribute to acne, especially in the elderly.
• Genetics– Acne has a tendency to run in families. If either of your parents is acne-prone, then it can make your skin also acne-prone. 
• Diet– According to a 2021 review, certain foods or diets may have an effect on acne. Although, so far, research has found that no food can causes acne. But yes, according to some nutritionists there are certain foods that have a high glycemic index (GI) or sugar content, that can worsen your acne. 

Food with high GI such as white rice, white bread, pasta, sugar etc, increases blood sugar levels more quickly. It further causes blood to release insulin-like growth factor-1 hormone. 

This hormone increases sebum production when it is produced in large amounts, which can lead to the risk of acne and inflammation.

Hormones– Teenage acne is known to be triggered in boys and girls, due to increased levels of a hormone called androgens, during puberty. It enlarges or over activates the sebaceous gland and produces much more sebum than required, which ultimately leads to acne.

Hormonal changes during midlife, particularly in women, can lead to breakouts too.

Acne in women– Women are more likely to have acne as compared to men. At certain times, women can have hormonal imbalance during certain conditions like periods, pregnancy or menopause, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), etc. which can cause acne.

Signs and symptoms of acne

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
• Papules (raised lesions)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)

How to treat acne?

Depending upon the particular factors like the condition’s severity, type of acne, or your age, the dermatologist may prescribe you particular medications either oral or topical. 

Topical medications include

Antibiotics and retinoids- Dermatologists may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics (like erythromycin or tetracycline) and retinoids (like tretinoin or adapalene), to treat acne. Because topical antibiotics alone are usually not recommended.

The doctor may start with a low effective dose, because a high dose and prolonged treatment may cause adverse effects also. 

In the initial phase of the treatment, the doctor might suggest using both a retinoid and an antibiotic, with the antibiotic applied in the morning and the retinoid in the evening.

Oral contraceptive- Hormonal therapies or the combined oral contraceptive pill can also help to control acne in women by suppressing the overactive gland.

Azelaic acid and salicylic acid– Along with antibacterial properties, azelaic acid can also be used to manage discolouration that occurs with some types of acne.

Dapsone– It is prescribed for inflammatory acne lesions, especially in women with acne.

Topical anti-androgen– Clascoterone is topical anti-androgen medicine, which belongs to a new class of treatment that targets the hormone that causes an outbreak.

Note: Remember to visit a dermatologist to ascertain the condition’s severity, before getting on a regimen. DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE.

Oral medications include

Oral antibiotics- Antibiotics work by killing excess skin bacteria and reducing redness and inflammation. It is generally recommended for long-term treatment. Take what the doctor prescribes for as long as it is prescribed. Do not stop the treatment mid-way on your own, even if you see improvement in symptoms. Complete the full course of antibiotic treatment.

Examples of oral antibiotics may include tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, etc. But, refrain from self-medication. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic after a proper skin diagnosis.

Isotretinoin- It works by reducing the oil or sebum secretion from the sebaceous gland and thus restricts inflammation or redness and reduces the clogged hair follicles. 

Home remedies for acne

Nowadays people are spending thousands and taking expensive treatments for acne. But you can still manage mild acne by just implementing simple home remedies. Here are a few!

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, salicylic acid, and sulfur. According to research, applying aloe vera can help lessen acne.

How to use

You can directly scrape out the gel from the aloe vera plant with the help of a spoon and can directly apply it to the skin as a moisturizer.

Green tea

Apart from sipping green tea which has its own benefits of being an antioxidant,  it can also be applied to the skin to take care of mild acne.

How to use-

Allow the brewed green tea to cool, and then apply it with a cotton swab on the skin, Let it stay for some time, and then rinse it off with water.

Turmeric facial mask

Turmeric is known to be one of the most effective and traditionally used home remedies when it comes to beautiful skin. But did you know, it can treat and prevent acne and scarring as well? 

How to use-

You can make a turmeric facial mask and add a number of other ingredients like almond oil, honey, curd or chickpea flour, etc. as per your choice or convenience. 

Add a sufficient amount of water to make it into a paste, apply it for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse with the cold water.

Cucumber face mask

Cucumber has a soothing effect on the skin and aids in reducing inflammation.

How to use

You can make a paste by blending one small cucumber and 1 cup of oatmeal. Apply it for at least 30 minutes and then wash it off with water.

Egg white mask

As per experts, eggs have lysozyme content, which is known to kill acne-causing bacteria, thus making eggs a great ‘at-home acne treatment’.

How to use- 

Separate the egg white part from the yolk, apply it with a cotton swab, let it stay for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse it off.

Final thoughts

Acne treatment is a long process, and it may take a few weeks to several weeks to heal. So you have to have patience and follow the instructions as suggested by the doctor. Along with acne treatment, a good skincare routine, and proper hydration is needed.

“Here is a tip for ongoing prescription acne treatment- don’t use other treatments or home remedies., otherwise, they could worsen the acne condition.”

Moreover, you should also frequently opt for preventive health screening. It provides you with vital insights into your health, allowing you to take necessary measures to improve it.