Acne is a common form of dermatosis, which affects not only adolescents, but also many adults. The most common areas of acne localization are face, back, chest. Eruptions can take the form of red-pink inflammatory nodules, pustules and black plugs (comedones) that form in the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands.
Causes of acne
In the absence or incorrect treatment of this pathology, even more complex cosmetic defects appear:
- scarring;
- areas of hyperpigmentation and redness;
- expanded pores, etc.
Correct and effective treatment of acne is impossible without finding out the reasons for its occurrence and their elimination.
The main provoking factors of acne:
- imbalance of the hormonal background of the body;
- hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands;
- blockage of the sebaceous glands by dead skin cells, sebum and dust;
- development on the skin of the bacterium Proprionibacterium acnes;
- defeat of the skin with the Demodex mite;
- diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract;
- stress;
- heredity, etc.
Principles of diagnosis and treatment of acne
The therapy of acne is performed in accordance with the stage of the pathological process (mild, moderate, severe, very severe), the age of the patient, the general condition of the body, concomitant diseases. To find out the main reason, except for the dermatologist, some specialists (gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist, etc.) may be required, as well as a number of diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests, among which:
- biochemical blood test ;
- microbiological examination of skin scrapings;
- analyzes for sex hormones and thyroid hormones, etc.
The best results in the treatment of acne can be achieved by eliminating or adjusting the possible accompanying internal pathologies, combining medical therapy, professional medical procedures and the right home effect. Also important are a healthy lifestyle, a proper diet, a rejection of bad habits.
Medicinal treatment of acne
In many cases, especially with a neglected pathological process, drug therapy includes the use of external agents and preparations for oral administration.
The effect of external agents (creams, gels, solutions, etc.) is directed, mainly, on the inhibition of pathogenic microflora in the skin layers, the removal of inflammatory processes, the regulation of the sebaceous glands, skin regeneration. Such means are effective:
- azelaic acid;
- preparations of zinc;
- benzoyl peroxide;
- antibacterial agents (tetracyclines, macrolides, lincosamides);
- topical retinoids (isotretinoin, adapalene).
Treatment of acne with systemic antibiotics in most cases implies the use of the following groups of drugs:
- tetracycline;
- erythromycin;
- doxycycline.
Immunotherapy, vitamin therapy, phytotherapy can also be performed, in severe cases - the use of systemic retinoids (isotretinoin). As a rule, with imbalance of hormones, acne treatment includes the use of hormonal agents (contraceptives for oral use containing female sex hormones).
Therapeutic procedures for acne
To eliminate acne:
- Ozone therapy - ochalyvanie oxygen-ozone mixture for deep disinfection of the skin and restore the supply of oxygen into it.
- Laser treatment of acne - procedures are often applied on the face and back and suggest exposure to a laser beam, which has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Chemical peelings - removal of dead skin particles, excess sebum and contaminants, etc.