Acne is one of the most common skin disorders, affecting people of all races and ages. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the pilosebaceous unit of the skin.

Its prevalence among 12-24 year olds is estimated to be 85%, although it may persist beyond adulthood despite treatment. The disease is more common and more serious in men than in women.

Acne can be treated effectively, but sometimes its response can be slow. There are some common principles of its management, including the following:

• Don’t scratch or pick stains.

• Avoid excessively humid conditions like working in an unventilated kitchen or a tropical vacation as much as possible.

• Stop smoking because nicotine increases sebum retention, forming comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).

• Minimize the application of oils and cosmetics to the affected skin.

• Avoid sunburn and protect your skin outdoors with sunscreen and protective clothing.

• Avoid abrasive skin treatment, which is likely to aggravate both comedones and inflammation.

• Follow a low-glycemic, protein, and dairy diet. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Acne management –

The three steps in managing acne are necessary for your success:

• Establish the type and severity of acne.

• Select the appropriate medication for the patient’s skin type and condition. In general, patients with oily skin benefit from solutions or gels, while those with dry skin do better with creams, lotions, or ointments.

• Educate the patient about the disease, the different types of medications and their side effects, and realistic expectations for improvement.

Mild acne –

Its management includes the following:

• Gentle cleansing of the affected area with warm water and mild soap.

• Benzoyl peroxide application.

• Salicylic acid application.

If the above treatments don’t work, see your doctor, who can prescribe stronger lotions or creams and, if necessary, an antibiotic lotion.

Moderate to severe acne –

Its management includes the following:

• Benzoyl peroxide application.

• Drainage of pimples and cysts by a doctor.

• Application of prescription antibiotic gels, creams or lotions.

• Application of prescription retinoids.

• Azelaic acid application.

• Taking prescription oral antibiotics

• Taking prescription oral retinoids (such as isotretinoin).

Acne Scar Laser Rejuvenation –

Acne vulgaris often produces scars. Acne scars can cause physical disfigurement, with a profound psychosocial impact on those who suffer from them. Early and effective acne treatment is the best way to minimize and prevent acne scars.

The laser resurfacing technique requires directing short, focused, pulsing light beams at uneven skin, precisely removing skin layer by layer. This popular procedure is also called abrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization.

It burns the face to create a new skin surface and reduce acne scars, but complete reshaping takes about 18 months. It has been observed that up to 45% of all patients have temporary changes in skin color. But infections are rare. The procedure is up to 80% effective for superficial scars. But deep scars can be treated in a number of ways before or during laser resurfacing.

The bottom line –

Acne affects 85% of all adolescents and approximately 12% of adult women. Although it is a benign condition, acne can cause considerable morbidity, including pain, discomfort, and scarring. It can also lead to depression and anxiety, resulting in low self-esteem. Laser resurfacing is emerging as an effective new treatment for acne scars.