#ExpertGuide: Important Facts To Know About Acne

by | April 8, 2021, 18:20 IST

Image: Shutterstock

If there is one skin concern we cannot get enough talking about, it’s acne. From causes and treatments to dealing with scars and home remedies, the information available on the internet is a lot to process. Also, a one-solution-fits-all approach does not work here. We get Dr Rashmi Shetty, aesthetic dermatologist, author, international faculty and key opinion leader to shed light on some of the most commonly asked questions.

The myth that acne happens only on oily skin? Your thoughts on it.
Acne can happen to anyone and on any skin type. Those with oily skin type aren’t the only ones who are most likely to get acne. If you have sebaceous glands, which are oil glands, you have a chance of getting acne.

Why do some people get acne and some don’t?
It might depend on various things—internal and external factors. Internal factors, such as genetics, might play a big role. Hormonal levels such as male and female hormones which come under the sex hormones and hormones like thyroid and cortisol, all of this also act as stimulators which could then turn into acne. Inflammatory food substances can also irritate the skin and cause acne. External factors such as humidity, makeup, pollution and stress can cause acne.

Image: Shutterstock

How can we differentiate between different kinds of acne?
If you have an extremely oily skin and also an oily scalp, or your parents had acne, it could simply be hereditary acne. This kind of acne presents itself anywhere in the face,  but might be more concentrated around your cheeks.
Second, acne due to hormonal imbalance usually presents itself on the jaw line and neck as well which can get painful and cystic.
Third, acne due to dandruff and oily scalp which can be on your shoulder and chest as well.
Fourth, you might have acne which is tiny but irritating all along the hairline and more around your forehead.
Fifth, acne due to any wrong cosmetic products, cream or lotion. This could be on your entire face and neck. They all might look similar like tiny bumps with white little pus in them, which are more like an acne from eruption. This could be more because of external things that have harmed it. These are more around the nose and around T-zone, which is the inner part of the cheek towards the nose.
Sixth, If you do have redness and acne, and like an angry, inflamed acne, this could be acne rosacea.

Image: Shutterstock

What should you do when you have acne?
Firstly, go to a dermatologist and do not go for solutions that have been told by a friendly neighbour or based on internet search. This has to be handled by a dermatologist as it’s important to know the cause of the acne. The dermatologist can treat it appropriately and probably do treatments from which require or even involve oral medication. Some treatments are prescribed to be done at-home and some treatments might be done at the dermatologist’s clinic.

Image: Shutterstock

What should you NOT do when you have acne?
Do not:
1. Ignore it.
2. Seek advice from non-professionals.
3. Poke and pinch it to get rid of it quickly as it only makes it worse.
4. Expect for the acne to go away as you grow older.
5. Use harsh creams.
6. Consume too much dairy and sugar.
7. Gain weight.

What should one expect when at the clinic for acne treatment?
Do understand that the doctor will have to do a certain blood investigation to know the cause of your acne and how to treat it. They might choose to start treatments that might be in the clinic as well as home which might include oral medicines and some application medicines. It is important to be patient as it might take over three months to a year for your acne to get cured.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel


Be the first one to comment.
View More Comments