Acne

Causes

Before you begin treatment for facial acne, you should understand the origin of the disease. There are many factors that affect the condition of the skin.

Let's look at the main causes of acne:

hormonal changes or disruptions associated with changes in the body during adolescence, as well as during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and various pathologies of the reproductive system;
deviations in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to metabolic disorders;
eating large amounts of sweet and fatty foods, as well as frequent drinking of alcoholic and carbonated drinks. The presence of harmful or toxic substances in the blood leads to skin rashes;
genetic predisposition. If there are relatives in the family with this problem, there is a possibility of inheriting it;
disorders in the endocrine system. The appearance of acne is the main symptom of this pathology;
insufficient or improper skin hygiene. It consists of neglecting regular cleansing and care of the epidermis;
low-quality decorative cosmetics that clog pores. Such products may contain heavy metals and other harmful chemical components that have a negative effect on the body;
excessive exposure to the sun provokes increased activity of the sebaceous glands, producing excessive amounts of sebum;
poor immunity unable to resist infections;
lack of vitamins and microelements in the diet;
Stressful and depressive states inhibit the overall activity of the body and its protective functions.

The causes and treatment of acne are determined by a dermatologist after undergoing an examination (photo below).

In addition to a visual examination, it is recommended to take a biochemical blood test to detect the pathogen that provoked the inflammation. You may need to do an ultrasound if your acne is associated with internal pathology.

Skin rashes can take many different forms. And depending on its appearance and characteristic signs, they are classified as different types of inflammation. So what are the differences between acne, pimples and acne? In order to understand this, you need to know what the different forms of rash look like.

Let's start with eels. These formations on the skin are fat plugs. Sometimes they look like whitish spots - these are rosacea that are located under the skin. They are also called milia.

Blackheads (blackheads) are comedones. They acquire this color due to the fact that they are formed in enlarged, open pores, and sebum darkens with access to oxygen.

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None of them should be squeezed out. Otherwise, there is a risk of infection and only worsening the problem. Although regular cosmetic cleansing procedures - salon or home - will help deal with open blackheads.

Treatment: drugs

Getting rid of acne is a labor-intensive process and practically cannot be done without the use of special medications. Since inflammation occurs against the background of infection, tablets and external agents are aimed at eliminating it. These include antibacterial and natural medicines.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics for facial acne are prescribed in severe cases of the disease, when other medications do not give the desired result. Despite the high effectiveness of antibacterial drugs, such therapy can provoke a disruption of the intestinal microflora. Therefore, they must be taken with caution; an acne treatment regimen drawn up by a doctor is required.

These medications are available for local use (gels, ointments, creams) and internal effects on the source of infection.

Antibiotics for external use

Erythromycin is an ointment characterized by a wide spectrum of action that affects the synthesis of proteins of pathogenic microorganisms, thereby preventing their reproduction.

resolves pus inside pimples, reduces inflammation and redness, positive dynamics are observed on the fifth day;
has a long-lasting effect; after completing the course, acne does not appear on the face for a long time;
approved for use by people who have an allergic reaction to penicillin;
Contraindications include age under ten years, liver and kidney pathologies.

Skinoren is available as a gel or cream that has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, softening effect.

intended as a remedy for acne, increased pigmentation, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea;
the active substance (azelaic acid) enters the deep layers of the dermis, providing healing properties;
if you follow a long course, the effectiveness of the gel and ointment will be at the same level, and the result will last a long time;
Not recommended for people with hypersensitive skin prone to irritation.

Differin is a gel that ensures proper metabolism in the skin and protects the epidermis from external negative influences.

copes with minor acne, can overcome severe acne only in combination with other drugs;
affects the production of sebum, reduces oiliness. Thanks to this effect, the pores become free, the number of inflammations is reduced;
during therapy with this drug, it is not advisable to stay in the open sun for a long time and use products containing drying components (zinc, alcohol, salicylic acid, etc.);
prohibited if you are allergic to the components of the medicine; apply with caution for seborrhea and dermatitis.

Antibiotics for internal use

Josamycin is a drug that can prevent protein synthesis in bacterial organisms, thereby destroying their activity.

fights almost all pathogens that cause acne;
take two tablets a day for a month. To maintain the result, continue to take one tablet for another eight weeks;
It is better not to combine this medicine simultaneously with contraceptives, as it may reduce the effect of the latter;
approved for use in children over 14 years of age, not recommended if there are chronic liver problems and during breastfeeding.

Azithromycin is a medicine aimed at destroying a large number of harmful microorganisms that cause inflammation and acne.

prescribed for many infectious diseases, capable of destroying most pathogens;
an effective remedy for facial acne, erysipelas, dermatitis;
A convenient course of treatment is three days. Take one tablet a day;
It is prohibited for people suffering from serious kidney damage, children under twelve years of age and nursing women.

Doxycyline is an antibiotic that stops the spread of bacteria by disrupting their synthesis.

eliminates rashes and inflammation in a short time, having a detrimental effect on anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms;
is able to get rid of infections that have arisen in different parts of the body;
treatment of acne on the face requires a twelve-week course;
should not be used by people with anemia, fungal diseases, or circulatory problems.

Most often, treatment of facial acne with antibiotics is recommended for patients whose rashes are chronic. These drugs can eliminate the exacerbation, but without proper care and compliance with preventive measures, the effect will be temporary.

Homeopathy treatment

Another common option for treating acne on the face is homeopathy therapy. It takes place in two stages. First, symptomatic signs are removed by taking low-concentrated medications. Then the specialist individually selects a medication that can activate the body’s defense systems and permanently overcome the troubling problem. These include:

Belladonna Plus is a medicine that affects the human central nervous system and also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

helps cope with red rashes on the cheekbones and cheeks, cure mild seborrhea;
combined with other drugs, therefore often prescribed in combination;
has no side effects, but during pregnancy and breastfeeding it is better to refrain from using it;
The recommended dosage is one drop of extract per 30 milliliters of liquid.

Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy based on the herb lumbago.

gives an effect if the culprit of acne is the abuse of sweet and fatty foods;
stimulates the functioning of your own immune system;
in high concentrations causes allergies in the form of a rash or disruption of the digestive system;
Suitable for light-eyed and fair-haired girls with pale skin.

Silicea is a solution of silicic acid. Release form: tincture or granules.

copes well with inflammatory processes of various nature;
not only fights acne, but also removes post-acne;
for skin diseases, Silicea 30 is suitable;
prohibited if you have chronic kidney disease.

Sulfur is a sulfur preparation.

prescribed for extensive inflammation that is not amenable to other treatment methods;
can be taken not only during an exacerbation, but also for prevention;
high concentrations are dangerous, as they can cause allergies in the form of suppuration;
Gepar Sulfur 6 is recommended for resolving purulent pimples.

Homeopathy can be an independent way to remove acne on the face, or be part of a comprehensive treatment. Many note the high effectiveness of this method, exceeding even the antibacterial effect.

Pimples or acne: types

What is the difference between pimples and blackheads? When subcutaneous sebum accumulates for a long time, comedones and milia increase in size. A nutrient medium for the proliferation of bacteria is formed in the rod canal. Once infection occurs, the follicle becomes inflamed and pus appears. These are pimples, or acne. In the process of development, they can take on various forms:

Papule. Inflammatory process without visible pus. The pimple looks like a red or bluish swelling. Over time it fades and goes away.

Pustule. A pimple with a white head of pus in the center. It can develop independently or degenerate from a papule.

Nodular cystic acne. A serious dermatological disease in which pustules do not form individually, but fill large areas of the skin. Without a visit to the doctor and treatment with special medications, it is impossible to get rid of such a rash.

Lightning acne. They are manifested not only by a rash on the skin, but also by painful sensations in bone and muscle tissue. The inflammatory process goes so far that it can be seen in blood tests. Requires immediate medical treatment.

A node is a large inflamed area.

Folk recipes

Another option for dealing with acne is folk remedy therapy. Properly prepared products can be as effective as salon cosmetics. A wide variety of recipes allows you to choose the most optimal one.

Treating facial acne at home has a number of advantages:

all components involved in the preparation are of natural origin, so the likelihood of allergic reactions or other unpleasant consequences from use is much less;
independent selection of ingredients guarantees a high-quality product;
no cosmetologist is required, all procedures are carried out independently without special equipment or devices;
This method is considered budget-friendly; the necessary components are sold in a grocery store or pharmacy. Medicinal herbs can be found in your own summer cottage or forest.

Let's present a few simple recipes that you can prepare yourself at home:

Green tea lotion – recommended for oily skin affected by inflammatory lesions. Relieves redness and soothes.

A strong tea brew is prepared from high quality leaves. Let stand until completely cooled, then add lemon juice (in equal proportions). The resulting mixture is used to treat the affected areas three times a day.

Aloe compress is good at drawing out internal acne, relieving pain and discomfort.

A medium-sized leaf is cleared of thorns and cut into thin slices. They are placed on nascent or already formed ulcers and fixed with adhesive tape. Leave it overnight, and in the morning remove any remaining blackheads with a cotton pad.

Wormwood infusion – treats inflammation, improves the structure of the skin.

Two tablespoons of the crushed plant are poured into glasses of boiling water. Leave to infuse for three hours in a dark place. Treat the skin with it as often as possible (three times a day or more).

Calendula solution has a wound-healing effect, eliminates traces of rashes and age spots.

You can buy calendula tincture (on flowers) at the pharmacy. A teaspoon is mixed with a glass of water and a spoon of honey. A napkin or cloth is soaked in this solution and applied to the face for half an hour. Afterwards wash with clean water.

Protein mask - helps get rid of rashes in the T-zone, temples, blackheads on the nose and chin.

The white is separated from the yolk and transferred to a separate bowl. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Beat the mixture with a mixer until a rich foam forms. Apply successively to the facial skin in three layers, waiting until the mask dries. Then rinse everything off thoroughly and apply a nourishing cream.

Rules for caring for problem skin

In addition to selecting a method and means to treat acne on the face, it is necessary to carry out certain hygiene measures.

Proper facial skin care consists of the following rules:

Do not use ordinary soap, which tightens the skin. This provokes the active work of the sebaceous glands, and more subcutaneous fat is released. There are special products for cleansing problem skin;
regularly use scrubs or peels. Such procedures renew the skin, remove blackheads;
To avoid infection when applying a cosmetic product with your hands, it is better to purchase a special brush;
You should wash with clean water, or better yet, with herbal decoctions. The towel must be individual and used only for the face;
After cleansing, do not rub the problem skin, just blot it;
It is not recommended to squeeze out mature pimples, as there is a high risk of bacteria getting into the wound and causing an unsightly scar in the future;
if the inflammation is very severe, it is better to periodically visit a beauty salon to correct this problem and be sure to consult a dermatologist.

Acne

Each hair on the human body is located inside a separate channel. This opening is connected to the sweat and sebaceous glands. The latter is needed for the production of sebum. It is released to the surface and covers the hair shaft and skin with a thin protective lipid film. However, sometimes a sebaceous plug forms at the exit of the canal. Subcutaneous fat begins to accumulate inside, which, if things go wrong, leads to inflammation. This is the cause of acne and pimples. And the differences between them are not as global as they seem at first glance.