Acne Management

By Ms Lew Hui Li & Ms Chong Hui Ying

Acne or acne vulgaris is a skin condition that occurs when a pore get clogged with dead skin cells, oils and a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Acne is triggered by many factors:

• Hormones
• Stress
• Poor hygiene
• Wrong skin care products
• Sun
• Unhealthy diet

Inflammatory Acne Types (More severe)

It is more likely to cause complications such as scarring or pitting.
Examples: Papules; Pustules; Nodules; Cysts

Treatment- Mild Acne

Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as gels, soaps, pads, creams, and lotions, that are applied to the skin. OTC acne remedies may contain the following active ingredients:

• Resorcinol: helps break down blackheads and whiteheads
• Benzoyl peroxide: kills bacteria, accelerates the replacement of skin, and slows the production of sebum
• Salicylic acid: assists the breakdown of blackheads and whiteheads and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Retin-A: helps unblock pores through cell turnover
• Azelaic acid: strengthens cells that line the follicles, stops sebum eruptions, and reduce bacteria growth.

Treatment- Moderate Acne

A skin specialist, or dermatologist, can treat more severe cases.

• Corticosteroid injection: help prevent scarring, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing.
• Oral antibiotics: combat the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation, erythromycin and tetracycline are commonly prescribed for acne
• Oral contraceptives: help control acne in women by suppressing the overactive gland.
• Topical antimicrobials:  reduce P. acnes  (example: clindamycin)
• Retinoic acid derivatives: unclog pores and prevent whitehead and blackhead from developing (example: adapalene, tretinoin)

Prevention and Management Tips