By Dr. M.K Shetty ,Dermatology

Acne is a skin condition which is characterized by red pimples on the skin, especially on the face, due to infected sebaceous glands. It’s very common and can be treated. It commonly occurs during puberty when the sebaceous glands come to life.

Hormones have a major influence on Acne, some of the causes of acne are:

1. Excess sebum.
2. Oil gland production.
3. Skin cells become abnormally sticky and accumulate

Androgen too has a role to play in Acne, it’s a male hormone but is present in both men and women. This can contribute to acne flares by over stimulating the oil glands. Majority of Females with acne have normal androgen levels, but it’s advisable to go for hormonal testing.

It’s advisable for acne patients to use mild cleansers twice a day. Avoid cleansers or other skin care products with scrubbing particles.

What are risk factors or what promotes acne?

1. Skin and hair care products that contact oils can aggravate acne.
2. Rubbing and scrubbing too much also leads to acne.
3. Humidity and sweating too can aggravate the condition.
4. Certain medicines also have an impact on acne.
5. Milk intake, in particular may sometimes lead to acne.
6. Genetics have a primary role in the manifestation of acne.
7. Stress is believed to be associated with acne.

With Acne it’s important for patients to understand that there are no quick fixes, and none of the therapies used to treat acne work overnight. Patients need to be consistent when using their acne medications to see the impact as sometimes even for 8 to 10 weeks patients may not see the full effects of the treatment.