Pimples is a common skin problem which affects young adults in their pubertal stage. Some times, it affects older adults even infants. For some people, it develops for the first time in their thirties.
CAUSES OF ACNE
For those with acne, their sebaceous gland is quite sensitive to testosterone (hormone present in both males and females). This feature of sebaceous gland makes them produce excess of oil. As the excess of oil builds up, the dead skin cells lining the skin pores cause blockage of the pilosebaceous follicle. These blocked pores form comedons which when opened are called “black-head” and when closed are call “white-head”.
Propionibacterium acnes is a bacterium which is a normal skin flora (that is, it ideally causes no harm as it lives on the skin), but in those prone to developing pimples, and with oily skin, the bacteria multiply and cause formation of red or pus-filled spots (abscess) which when healed results in scarring in severe case as seen in the image below:
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the cause. However, you need to understand that acne (pimples) respond to treatment slowly. With many patients, little improvement is seen for 4 weeks after starting treatment; for some, as long as 2-12months.
For sebaceous skin blockage, use retinooids and benzoyl peroxidase.
For bacterial colonization, treat with antibiotics benzoyl peroxidase or azelaic acid.
For sebaceous gland sensitive to androgens, use anti-androgen and oral contraceptives.
ABOUT THE DRUGS
- Benzoyl peroxidase: It is usually available as a cream or gel. It works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin surface, white-head and black-head. It also has an anti-inflammatory property. Most people need a six week course to clear the acne. You might even need to continue using it less frequently to prevent acne returning.
- Azelaic acid: It works by getting rid of dead skin and bacteria.
- Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP): This is of benefit to women who have acne around menstrual period or associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
- Topical retinoid: This works by removing dead skin from the surface of the skin. Topical retinoid should be avoided during pregnancy.
Dr. Adeyemo Olusola is a medical graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria along with certificate in advanced diploma in Principles of Nutrition, Management and Leadership, Dublin and Certificate in Global Health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In addition to his numerous certifications, he is a certified Telemedicine Physician from Harvard Medical School, USA. He is an avid reader of books from different oases of life, expert in data analysis. “So many a time, I have seen people die avoidable death because of lack of knowledge or information, falling victim of fate. There is then a necessity laid on us to help arm our society to the teeth, as a healthy society cannot be detached from an informed one. Hence, there is need for healthgist.net. We hope you will have a wonderful stay on our website.”
