ACNE - Common Medical Advice

 General Information

Acne is the disorders of oil glands (sebaceous glands) of skin that results in plugged pores and out breaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. It is also characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, inflamed nodules and superficial pus filled cysts. It usually occurs on the face, neck, and center of chest, upper back and shoulders in the patients of 14 to 19 year age group, although people in their 20's and 30's may also experience acne. The underlying cause may be due to increased production of androgen and increased sensitivity of androgen receptors. It is characterized by blocked pores due to increase in keratin and sebaceous gland secretions Also acne like eruptions may occur due to the side effects to some medications. 

signs and Symptoms

• Blackheads (black spots, the size of a pinhead)
• Whiteheads (white spots similar to blackheads)
• Pustules (small pus-filled lesions)
• Redness and inflammation around eruptions
• Cysts (larger, firm swellings in the skin)
• Abscesses (swollen, inflamed, tender area of infection containing pus)

Advice to the Customers

• Washing the face twice daily with mild soap and water or an antiseptic wash is enough and there is no need to wash your face frequently.
• Acne products should be applied to all areas affected by acne, rather than just put on individual spots Preferably use water base acne products.
• ‌Only a thin smear should be applied to dry clean skin at nighttime.
• Acne products may work better if applied in the morning as well.
• Keep your hair off your face. Hair, especialy greasy, can worsen the blocked pores.
• Acne products often cause dryness particularly in the first 2-4 weeks of use. This is partly how they Work and the skin usually adjusts to this.
• Apply an oil-free moisturizer only if the affected skin is obviously peeling.
• Treatment of existing acne (pimples) will not make it disappear any faster but will help prevent further pimples, that is why it may take 12 weeks before the skin improves.
• Avoid squeezing or picking the pimples, doing so may cause infection and scarring.
• Discontinue using product if severe irritation results. See your doctor for advice.
• Eating a healthy balanced diet contributes to a healthy skin.

Prescription Advice

• Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, i.e.name of the medication, frequency of dosage etc.
• In case of exacerbation despite treatment, or in cases where acne does not improve, instruct the patient to consult a dermatologist immediately.
• Advise the patient on the possible adverse effects of some anti-acne preparations, i.e. photosensitivity, reddening of the skin etc.
• Discuss Advice to the customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management of acne.