Acne in adolescents

Acne is one of the most frequent problems among adolescent teens, impacting about 17 million people in the United States. Acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Acne occurs when sebaceous glands become clogged, resulting in the creation of pimples and cysts. 

The condition commonly starts with puberty. According to the facts, as teens enter puberty, androgens, commonly known as male sex hormones, are released in large quantities, causing sebaceous glands to become overactive, resulting in the production of large amounts of sebum.

Sebum, or oil, is produced by sebaceous glands and travels to the skin's surface via hair follicles. However, skin cells clog the follicles, causing oil to get clogged as well. When these hair follicles become blocked, skin germs known as Propionibacterium Acnes proliferate within the follicles, causing skin swelling known as acne. 

If the hair follicles are partially obstructed, blackheads form. If the follicles are totally blocked, whiteheads appear. However, if these clogged follicles are not addressed, they can eventually burst, spilling oil, germs, and skin cells all over the skin, causing irritation and the production of pimples. Acne can be shallow or deep.

Acne can develop from a variety of sources. Apart from growing hormone levels related to puberty, it can also be ascribed to other variables such as the use of medicines like lithium, barbiturates, and corticosteroids. Acne can also be caused by excess grease and oil in the scalp, such as cooking oil, and the use of certain cosmetics can help reduce the acne problem. Acne is often passed down across generations. Acne is worse if pimples are squashed or cleaned too aggressively.

Acne can appear anywhere on the body, although it is most frequent on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, and upper back. The symptoms vary from person to person, but frequent ones include the production of blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled lesions that are extremely painful, and nodules. Acne symptoms can occasionally be confused with those of other skin conditions, thus it is always best to visit a doctor in this situation.

There are numerous therapies available now to treat acne. The major purpose of the treatment is to minimize scarring and improve attractiveness. There are several treatments available, and the doctor will choose which one is best for you based on the severity of your acne problem, age, medical history, overall health, tolerance to specific medications and procedures, expectations, and, most importantly, what patients desire.

Acne treatment is divided into topical and systemic medication therapies, which are prescribed according to the severity of the condition. In some cases, a combination of the two approaches may be the best option for treating acne. Topical medication refers to creams, gels, lotions, and solutions that are prescribed to patients for acne therapy. Here are some examples of topical medications: Benzoyl Peroxide destroys the Propionibacterium Acnes bacteria.

Antibiotics serve to stop or delay the growth of bacteria while also reducing inflammation. Tretinoin helps to stop the formation of new acne lesions, and Adapalene lowers the formation of comedones.


Systemic medication therapies involve the prescription of systemic antibiotics, particularly for

Treatment for acne that is moderate to severe in form. Antibiotics administered include Doxycycline, Erythromycin, and Tetracycline. In rare situations, teenagers with severe acne are prescribed an oral medicine called isotretinoin, which reduces the oil-producing sebaceous glands. The outcomes are fairly good, with over 90% of teens finding success with this oral medicine. However, the medicine has some major negative effects, thus it is critical that one sees a doctor before use.

Causes of acne

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of acne in adolescents, including:

• Hormonal changes: Androgens, hormones produced in greater amounts during puberty, can stimulate the oil glands in the skin to produce more oil.
• Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a type of bacteria that lives on the skin, can break down oil and cause inflammation.
• Clogged pores: Oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria can clog pores and lead to the formation of pimples.

Types of acne

There are several types of acne, including:

• Inflammatory acne: This type of acne is characterized by pimples that are red, swollen, and tender.
• Non-inflammatory acne: This type of acne is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads.

Treatment for acne

There are a variety of treatments available for acne, including:

• Over-the-counter treatments: These treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can help to kill bacteria and unclog pores.
• Prescription treatments: These treatments, such as retinoids and antibiotics, can be more effective than over-the-counter treatments.
• Combination therapy: This involves using a combination of over-the-counter and prescription treatments.

Prevention of acne

There are a few things that adolescents can do to help prevent acne, including:

• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
• Avoid touching your face throughout the day.
• Use oil-free cosmetics and sunscreen.
• Exfoliate your skin regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.

If you are concerned about your acne, see a dermatologist. They can help you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Tips for adolescents with acne

• Don't pick or pop your pimples. This can lead to scarring.
• Be patient. Acne can take time to clear up.
• Don't let acne get you down. Acne is a common condition and it does not define you.