Acne

Your skin has pores, which are essentially tiny holes. These pores can become blocked by dead skin cells, dirt, oil, or bacteria, leading to the development of pimples or zits. If your skin repeatedly suffers from this condition, then you may have acne.

Acne is a common skin condition in the UK. It is not life-threatening, but it can be painful in severe cases. Not to mention, the emotional distress associated with acne is also quite significant. In addition, acne can affect your self-esteem and may even cause permanent scarring.

It is essential to educate yourself about acne and seek proper treatment to prevent or subdue this condition.

Acne can manifest on any part of your body, but it mostly develops on your face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. If you have acne, you will easily notice white or black pimples on your body.

Blackheads usually open at the skin surface with an excess of oxygen, giving them their typical black appearance. Similarly, whiteheads close just under the skin surface where there is a lack of oxygen, giving them their typical white appearance. Both blackheads and whiteheads are the commonest lesions associated with acne. Other forms of lesions can also occur, but they are exceedingly rare.

If you have inflammatory lesions, they are more likely to cause scarring on your skin. Some forms of inflammatory lesions are;

• Small, raised, and red bumps called Papules. They are caused by infected or inflamed hair follicles.
• Small and red pimples called Pustules. They have pus at the tips.
• Solid and painful lumps underneath the skin surface called Nodules.
• Large lumps beneath the skin surface called Cysts. They contain pus and are painful.

Acne is a common skin condition that usually occurs when;

• Your follicles produce too much oil
• Too many dead cells accumulate in your pores
• Too much dirt accumulates in your pores without getting a thorough cleansing
• Bacteria builds up in your pores

There are many myths about what causes the occurrence of acne in people. Some people believe that certain foods, like chocolate or French fries, cause acne, while others believe impurities in the blood cause it. Yet there is no scientific basis to support these myths.

These are the most common scientifically accepted risk factors for acne;

• Hormonal changes specifically due to the onset of puberty or pregnancy
• Taking specific medication, like corticosteroids or birth control pills
• Eating a diet with high refined sugar or carbohydrate content, like bread and chips
• Having a genetic predisposition towards acne

Most people usually develop acne at puberty because of the hormonal changes in the body at the time. However, this kind of acne is generally temporary and usually subsides when you reach adulthood.

Lifestyle changes

You can adapt a few lifestyle changes to prevent the manifestation of pimples or acne, such as;

• Clean your skin every day with a mild soap
• Apply shampoo to your hair every day and keep it off your face
• Use water-based or noncomedogenic makeup
• Do not squeeze, rub, or pick on your pimples
• Do not wear hats or tight headbands
• Refrain from touching your face without thoroughly cleaning your hands

Medication

If lifestyle changes and self-care doesn’t help treat acne, you can take a few over the counter medications available at Click Pharmacy to kill the bacteria and reduce oil deposits in your pores.

• Acnecide Gel contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which helps dry out the skin and prevent bacteria from taking root.
• SilDerm Scar Spray can help reduce both new and old scars. Additionally, it can also reduce pain and itching on the skin.

Medical procedures

Your GP or skin specialist may recommend medical procedures to treat severe cases of acne and prevent scarring of the skin. These medical procedures remove damaged skin and reduce oil production.

• Photodynamic therapy uses a combination of medicine and a special light (laser) to help reduce oil production and bacteria in the skin, reduce scarring, and improve acne.
• Dermabrasion is a medical procedure that removes the topmost layers of your skin with a fast-rotating brush. It removes dead skin cells and treats acne scarring.
• Chemical peeling may also help remove the outermost layers of your skin to reveal the less damaged skin hidden underneath and heal mild acne scarring.
• Cortisone injections can help reduce inflammation, increase healing, and treat acne.

You can find the most suitable gel and scar spray for acne on the click pharmacy website. These treatments will help remove oil, dirt, and bacteria from your pores. They will also help heal scarring caused by acne. You can reach out to the website and consult a health expert about your condition. They will recommend the right product for you, and it’ll be on your doorstep in no time. You can also order prescription meds of your choice.

Acne disorder is very much treatable. After six to eight months of starting the treatment, most people can expect their acne to start clearing up. However, it is common to experience flare-ups, which may require additional treatment.

Acne can cause scarring, which may remain even after successful treatment. This scarring can cause emotional distress in people. However, prompt treatment may help prevent scarring. You can book an appointment with your GP, a dermatologist, or a Click Pharmacy health expert to give proper advice.

Preventing acne is difficult –however, you can take some steps to prevent a resurgence of acne after treatment. Such as;

• Wash your face at least twice a day with a special, oil-free cleanser
• Use an over the counter cream for acne to remove dead cells and excess oil
• Use makeup that comes without oil
• If you are wearing makeup, remove it thoroughly before going to bed
• Take a shower after working out
• Avoid wearing skin tight clothes
• Eat a balanced diet with no or minimal amount of refined sugars
• Reduce stress triggers in your everyday life

Speak with your GP or dermatologist to learn about effective strategies to manage your acne. Always carefully read the patient information leaflet before starting your treatment.