Q. Acne and pimples, are they same?

A. A rash which comes up mostly on the face during youth (13-30yrs) is usually pimples or in medical terms 'Acne'. In some cases it may also appear on the chest, back & upper arms.

A. By and large it doesn't. Those who are very conscious or can't tolerate its existence are affected more.

A. Well it is a part of the normal growth process. During puberty or adolescence, hormones come into play. Due to these hormones, the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands) enlarge & secrete a lot of sebum or oil.
In women, normally a small amount of male hormones is released from the ovaries and adrenals. When women have a condition called PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) larger amounts of male hormones are released thereby leading to Acne formation.
Acne can also occur due to application of some cosmetics or intake of some medicines.

Q. How is an oily face more likely to get Acne?

A. When the pores get blocked, microcomedones are formed i.e, open comedones or blackheads and closed comedones or white heads. Due to this the sebum or oil gets trapped in the oil gland. Bacteria normally present on the skin act on the oil forming an irritant fatty acid substance which causes irritation & inflammation - finally causing red, painful Acne or pus filled Acne.

Q. Is it important to wash the face often to wash of the oil?

A. It is important to maintain a good hygiene but at the same time taking care that one doesn't overdo the cleansing. Wash the face three times with a gentle soap or face wash and another two to three times with just plain water or wet tissues if required.

Q. Why do some get more acne and some none.?

A. Acne are due to hereditary factors.In some they occur due to hormonal disturbances or because of some medication they are on. At times Acne can happen because of use of some comedogenic creams/lotions on face.

Q. Is dandruff responsible for Acne?

A. Oily, yellowish dandruff occurs due to the overproduction of sebum on the scalp. It occurs at the same time (puberty) when acne appears on the face. Oiliness is a response of the sebaceous glands to the male hormones which comes into play at puberty. Both occur at the same time, same reasons and hence this notion that dandruff falling on the face is responsible for Acne. Both occur independently, may coexist or one of them may be more prominent.

Q. If acne eventually go away permanently, then why treat them?

A. Acne disappear in some soon and some they take longer. Since acne occur on the face, they definitely affect the appearance of a person. Individuals suffering from Acne, feel self conscious and at times withdraw from social occasions.
Acne also leaves behind pigmentation & scarring in some. Treatment of pigmentation and superficial scars takes a long time. Yet there are no effective ways of treating deeper scars. Hence, if Acne is treated early and effectively, appearances are enhanced & scars prevented. If the face can be preserved spotless, it goes a long way in feeling confident and loveable.

Q. Is treatment effective?

A. Treatment is very effective. There are different types of creams & face washes. Antibiotics by mouth help in pus filled Acne. The latest is a wonder drug called isotretinoin which is helpful in the treatment of severe Acne.