22 October 2020 Author : Inês Raposo What is acne Acne is a skin disease , associated with the pilosebaceous unit, which includes: Hair follicle, the structure that produces hair; Sebaceous gland, a type of skin gland that produces a fatty substance - sebum - that has lubricating functions. Acne is a multifactorial disease, that is, in its development multiple factors can intervene , for example: Follicular hyperkeratinization; Hormonal influence on the production and composition of sebum; Inflammation partly mediated by acne-promoting bacteria. The type of inflammatory response influences the various clinical lesions of acne, such as pustules, nodules, cysts, and acne scars. Acne has a peak incidence in adolescence. It can, however, manifest itself in other age groups, from babies to adults. Causes Causes of acne can be: Other diseases Some diseases are associated with an increased risk of developing acne and its severity, such as endocrinological diseases, examples of which are polycystic ovary syndrome and forms of hypercortisolism. Medicines Several drugs used to treat other illnesses are also acneiform rashes inducing. Products for local application on the skin If chosen improperly, various topical products, such as moisturizers, cleansers, and makeup, can play an important role in the development or persistence of acne. Food Despite the controversial role of diet in acne, several studies have documented the effect of foods with a high glycemic load, whose insulin-releasing effect increases the production of sebum precursors and androgenic hormones. Types of acne and its diagnosis Acne is typically found in parts of the body where sebaceous glands predominate, namely the face and upper torso. Acne lesions are classified into: Non-inflammatory, such as open and closed comedones; Inflammatory, such as papules, pustules, and nodules. In addition to its aesthetic component and impact on self-esteem, acne can also cause sensitivity, discomfort, and skin pain. It can also have long-term consequences, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, depressed scars, and hypertrophic scars. There are several clinical presentations of acne, which are classified according to the type, predominance, and location of the lesions. Some examples of forms of acne are: Acne vulgaris; Acne conglobata; Fulminating acne; Neonatal acne; Childhood acne; Excoriated acne; Mechanical acne; Cosmetic acne; Occupational acne. The list of differential diagnoses (acne-mimicking diseases) is extensive. Thus, the evaluation by a dermatologist is very important, as apparently similar dermatological entities may represent diseases with another type of therapeutic approach. In addition to the form or subtype of acne, the severity of the disease and the specificitiess of each patient have an impact on the choice of treatment. Treatment In addition to resolving the early signs and symptoms of acne, timely treatment of this disease is essential to prevent permanent scarring due to lesions. The acne treatment options are multiple and are always decided individually as they depend on factors such as: Type and severity of acne; Age; Existence of other diseases; Chronic medication; Pregnancy planning; Skin care routine. Overall, treatment can be based on one or more of the following possibilities: Specific products for hygiene and hydration of skin with acne; Medicines for cutaneous application; Oral medication (tablets). Remember that: Medication for acne should only be done through medical advice and prescription. The evaluation and guidance by your dermatologist is essential in the correct management of acne. Meet the dermatology team of Hospital da Luz network and book your consultation . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
