🧠
This chapter covers:
Skin conditions
Hormonal disorders
Neurodevelopmental conditions
Mental health conditions
Physical long-term illness
🅰️ A4 –
Type: Skin condition
Simple Explanation
Acne happens when hair follicles become blocked with oil and
dead skin cells.
Symptoms
Spots (pimples)
Blackheads
Whiteheads
Painful cysts
Management
Skin creams (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids)
Antibiotics
Hormonal treatment (if needed)
🧴 Acne Vulgaris – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
📖 What Is Acne Vulgaris?
Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles (pores) become blocked with:
- Oil (sebum)
- Dead skin cells
- Bacteria
This leads to spots such as blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
It is most common in teenagers but can affect people of all ages.
🔍 Causes of Acne Vulgaris
Acne develops due to several linked factors:
⚙️ Main Causes
-
Hormonal changes
→ Increased hormones (androgens) during puberty or pregnancy -
Excess oil (sebum) production
→ Skin becomes oily and pores clog -
Clogged hair follicles
→ Dead skin cells stick together and block pores -
Bacteria (e.g. Cutibacterium acnes)
→ Causes inflammation and infection
⚠️ Risk Factors
- Family history (genetics)
- Oily or greasy skin products
- Friction (helmets, phones, tight clothing)
- Stress (can make acne worse)
- Diet (in some cases, high sugar or dairy may trigger flare-ups)
🟥 Symptoms of Acne
Acne can appear in different forms:
-
Comedones
- Whiteheads (closed pores)
- Blackheads (open pores)
-
Papules
- Small, red, raised bumps
-
Pustules
- Pimples filled with pus
-
Nodules and cysts
- Large, deep, painful lumps under the skin
💊 Treatment of Acne
Acne can be controlled with the right treatment, although it may take time.
🏠 Self-Care
- Wash skin gently (not too often)
- Use oil-free (non-comedogenic) products
- Avoid squeezing or picking spots
- Keep hair and hands away from the face
💊 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Adapalene
🏥 Prescription Treatments
- Topical retinoids (stronger creams)
- Antibiotics (to reduce bacteria and inflammation)
- Hormonal treatments (for some women)
🧪 Specialist Treatments
- Chemical peels
- Laser or light therapy
- Professional skin treatments by dermatologists
⏳ Duration
- Acne is often a long-term (chronic) condition
- Common during teenage years
- Individual spots may last days to weeks
- Can continue into adulthood
🛡️ Prevention and Management
- Keep skin clean but avoid over-washing
- Use gentle skincare products
- Avoid oily cosmetics
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Manage stress levels
⚠️ When to Seek Medical Help
See a healthcare professional if:
- Acne is severe or painful
- It causes scarring
- Over-the-counter treatments do not work
- It affects your confidence or mental health
💡 Key Message
Acne is very common and not caused by poor hygiene.
With the right care and treatment, it can be effectively managed over time.
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