This Is How To Treat Every Type Of Acne

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Who doesn’t like to have a flawless skin? Everyone, irrespective of age or gender, wishes to have a clear, radiating skin that becomes an eponym of their personality. It is no wonder then that the appearance of skin issues, especially acne, brings down our confidence levels by quite a few notches. We become a recluse and do not socialize because we are constantly thinking about those red, blotchy protrusions on our face. Sounds familiar, right? But don’t you worry, because there’s help at hand. We, at MomJunction, bring to you some of the ways to treat acne. Read through and figure out what works for you:

In This Article

Papules (Early Pimples)

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You might first notice them in your teens when you’ll probably be experiencing hormonal changes due to puberty. The excess oil secretion combines with bacteria and dead skin cells to push deeper into your skin, causing swelling and redness, and resulting in tiny but hard red bumps. As a first-step treatment, wash your face twice daily and try keeping it oil-free. Look for a face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. But visit a doctor if the problem doesn’t resolve (1).

Whiteheads & Blackheads

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When the skin’s pores become clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells, and excessive oil, then it gives rise to blackheads and whiteheads. If the pores are close, then they look flesh-colored or white and are known as whiteheads. If the pore remains open, it gets filled with dirt and becomes black in color. This is a black head. A retinoid treatment or a benzoyl peroxide wash is generally recommended by dermatologists to unclog pores. Wait for 6 to 8 weeks for it to clear. If the blemishes still do not disappear, then consult a dermatologist (2).

Pustules

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Pimples that are filled with pus are known as pustules. They generally contain a yellow or white-colored center. The first line of pustule treatment is washing your face with a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-containing face wash. Do not try to burst them as they can spread more quickly. If the condition does not improve even after 6-8 weeks, then visit a dermatologist (3).

Cysts/Nodules

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These acne blemishes penetrate deep inside the skin. They are reddish in appearance and can leave behind scars even after healing. Cysts and nodules need to be treated as early as possible to keep them in check. The sooner you start, the lesser the chances of scars (4).

Acne Mechanica

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This type of acne results due to heat or friction caused to the skin. This generally occurs due to regular use of sports gear like baseball caps or a helmet. Which is why it is also referred to as sports-induced acne since it is common among athletes. One of the best ways to prevent it is to shower and cleanse the area soon after a sporting activity or wearing sports equipment that has an absorbent material under it (5).

Acne Conglobata

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It is the most severe form of acne as it involves various interconnected inflamed nodules beneath the skin and can spread all over the body including the chest, arms, neck, and chest. Acne Conglobata often occurs in men due to the use of steroids and testosterone. Timely intervention is very important for this acne as it can leave behind deep scars as well (6).

Remember that these suggestions are in no way a replacement to a doctor’s consultation. This is just to apprise you about the different types of acne and the possible treatments that exist so that you get a better understanding of your condition. Also, making positive changes to your lifestyle like eating healthy, drinking lots of water, and maintaining overall physical cleanliness goes a long way in ensuring a healthy skin. So, keep at it and you’ll soon reap its benefits. Good luck!

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