Acne, commonly called pimples, is an inflammatory disease of the skin. It is caused by changes in the pilosebaceous. The most common form of acne is known as “acne vulgaris”, which means “common acne”. The hair folicles are blocked by the combination of oils and dead skin cells. Comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and inflammatory cysts are the different types of acme lesions. They are mainly caused on the face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. These acne lesions are inflamed form of pus-filled reddish bumps that appear mainly during adolescence.

There are various factors causing acne. Some of them are the hormonal activities like the menstrual cycle and increased output of hormones from the adrenal glands. Accumulation of dead skin cells, bacteria in the pores, skin irritation or scratching, use of antibiotic steroids, use of medication containing halogens, lithium, barbiturates or androgens, and exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds can also cause acne.

Ace treatments can be done with the help of benzoyl peroxide, proactive solution, antibiotics, tretinion, isotretinion, contraceptive pills, salicylic acid, adapalene, laser treatment, blue light treatment and herbal remedies. 90% of adolescents have acne. Acne can be treated in various ways. Exfoliating the skin, using topical bactericidals, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatment, external retinoids, oral retinoids, and phototherapy are some of the methods of treating acne. The non inflammatory acne can be treated with azelaic, salicytic acid, topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. The mild inflammatory acme can be treated with topical antibiotics. Isotretinion and topical retinoids are used to treat moderate inflammatory acne. Contraceptive pills with cyproterone can be used by females with virilization to treat severe inflammatory acne.

Acne often leaves a scar behind. There are various scar treatments to remove the mark –

·Dermabrasion – A high-speed rotary wire brush or diamond-coated fraise is used to remove the top layer of the skin to make the scar look less pitted. This is done by a cosmetic surgeon.
·Microdermabrasion – It involves blasting tiny crystals at the skin and rubbing the skin with a rough tool.
·Laser resurfacing – The top layer of the skin is burnt off by a laser.
·Punch excision – A punch tool is used, with the help of which the scar is excised, and the edges are sutured together.
·Chemical peels – Glycolic, salicylic, or lactic are applied to the skin to get a smoother layer in an acid peel.
·Subcision – A deep pool of blood is created under the scar by detaching the scar from deeper tissue. This blood helps form a connective tissue under the scar, thus levelling it with the surface.
·Dermal filler – An injectable filler is used to fill up the scar.

Mantaining a good hygeine with proper diet and medications help to reduce the occurance of acme, thus boosting your confidence level and self esteem.