Acne
(Redirected from Cystic acne)
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes cysts or nodules. Acne typically appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. It is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptoms of acne include:
- Pimples (pustules)
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)
- Cysts and nodules
- Oily skin
- Possible scarring
Causes[edit | edit source]
Acne is caused by a combination of factors:
- Hormonal changes: Increased androgens during puberty can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum.
- Genetics: A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Bacteria: The bacterium Cutibacterium acnes can contribute to inflammation and infection in clogged pores.
- Excess oil production: Overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands can clog hair follicles.
Risk Factors[edit | edit source]
Several factors can increase the risk of developing acne:
- Adolescence: Hormonal changes during puberty are a significant trigger.
- Family history: Genetics play a role in the likelihood of developing acne.
- Hormonal changes: Such as those related to menstruation, pregnancy, and birth control.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Acne is typically diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin. A dermatologist may examine the skin to determine the type and severity of acne.
Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Conditions that may resemble acne include:
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventive measures for acne include:
- Proper skin care: Regular cleansing to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
- Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding factors that can worsen acne, such as certain foods or stress.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment options for acne vary depending on the severity and may include:
- Topical treatments: Such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.
- Oral medications: Including antibiotics, hormonal treatments, and isotretinoin.
- Laser therapy: To reduce bacteria and inflammation.
- Chemical peels: To remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Medications[edit | edit source]
Common medications used to treat acne include:
Complications[edit | edit source]
Potential complications of acne include:
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD