| |
A spotty situation
Acne can be an unpleasant and unsightly condition. The good news is that you don’t have to live with it.
Acne is not a teenage problem. While it is more common in teenagers, adults in their 20s to 40s can also suffer persistent acne, especially those who have a family history of it, said Dr Regina Lim, Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Changi General Hospital. Besides age, gender also plays a part in determining the type of acne you may be prone to.
“Acne affects both men and women, but men are more prone to a more severe form known as nodulocystic acne. Male hormones probably have a role in this. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to have persistent acne into adulthood,” said Dr Lim.
A pimple story
Acne is caused when the skin’s oil glands produce too much oil. The skin’s pores are connected via canals to oil glands under the skin, which produce a substance known as sebum.
“As sebum and dead skin cells clog up pores, blackheads and whiteheads can form, and together with bacteria on the skin surface, this can produce pimples,” said Dr Lim.
Although it’s not a serious health problem, acne can cause scars and should be treated if it is out of control. The face, chest, shoulders and back are the worst affected as they have the most oil glands. In fact, it is believed that there are approximately 400 to 900 glands per cm2 on the face.
Out, darn spot!
“If the use of over-the-counter products is not working, or the acne is getting worse, you should consult a dermatologist or doctor,” said Dr Lim. “Your doctor will assess the acne and decide on the best treatment, which may be creams, antibiotics or a stronger medication known as isotretinoin.”
The Singapore climate is not skin friendly either. “High humidity and conditions that stimulate sweating may increase the bacteria on the skin surface, aggravate skin irritation from salts in sweat, and indirectly worsen acne,” said Dr Lim.
“Adequate rest, a balanced lifestyle and avoiding excessive stress may help,” said Dr Lim. “Also avoid using products that may aggravate the condition, like oils and
heavy makeup, which clog pores.”
Different types of acne
- Acne vulgaris: Common acne. Affects mostly adolescents but may continue into adulthood.
- Nodulocystic acne: Severe acne. Characterised by cysts and pus-filled bumps, common in young males.
- Comedonal acne: Blackheads and whiteheads, especially on the forehead and chin. Can worsen with humidity and the use of oil- or petroleum-based moisturisers.
- Acne excoriee: Picker’s acne. Picking at pimples worsens the acne.
- Acne fulminans: Rare but severe form. Symptoms include fever, painful joints, loss of appetite, and a raised white blood cell count.
- Infantile acne: Caused by hormonal changes while the foetus is developing. Appears on a newborn’s nose and cheeks and clears within a few weeks.
- Medication-induced acne: Triggered by certain medication.
- Pregnancy-related acne: Usually occurs in the first and second trimester. Often clears as the pregnancy progresses.
|
|