حب الشباب Acne

Acne

Alternative Names: Acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples; Zits

Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red growths (papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. These growths are commonly called pimples or "zits."


Causes of Acne

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged.

Each pore is an opening to a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. These oil glands help lubricate the skin and help remove old skin cells.
. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked. Dirt, debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.
. The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead).
. If the plug breaks open, the material inside causes swelling and red bumps to form.
. If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.

Acne is a problem of swelling and inflammation, not a problem caused by bacteria.

. Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
. Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
. Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
. High levels of humidity and sweating

Acne Symptoms

Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but it may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.

Blackheads
Crusting of skin bumps
Cysts
Papules (small red bumps)
Pustules
Redness around the skin eruptions
Scarring of the skin
Whiteheads

PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES

If pimples are still a problem, a health care provider can prescribe stronger medications and discuss other options with you.

Antibiotics may help some people with acne:

Oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and amoxicillin
Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin) such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or dapsone

Creams or gels applied to the skin may be prescribed:

Retinoic acid cream or gel (tretinoin, Retin-A)
Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid
Topical azelaic acid

For women whose acne is caused or made worse by hormones:

A pill called spironolactone may help
Birth control pills may help in some cases, though they may make acne worse

Minor procedures or treatments may also be helpful:

A laser procedure called photodynamic therapy
Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling, removal of scars by dermabrasion, or removal, drainage, or injection of cysts with cortisone

People who have cystic acne and scarring may try a medicine called isotretinoin (Accutane). You will be watched closely when taking this medicine because of its side effects


د/ ابراهيم زهرة