The term acne was first used by Emperor Justinian’s physician Aetius Amidenus in the 6th century AD, and took its place in medical dictionaries in the 1800s.
Acne, as it is colloquially known, most commonly occurs during adolescence and affects 85% of young people between the ages of 12 and 24. Although it is thought to be a young disease, it can be seen up to the age of 40. It is more common in males during adolescence, but more common in females in adulthood.
Causes of acne include emotional stress, family history, mechanical obstruction (parasites, tight collars), increased hormonal activity (menstruation, puberty), cosmetics and moisturizers, anabolic steroids, lithium, and some drugs such as barbiturates. Contrary to popular belief, acne has nothing to do with chocolate and fatty foods.
Acne can settle on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, arms, and the healing process can take months. It can be seen as open comedones (blackheads) (picture 1), closed comedones (whiteheads) (pictures 2), papules and pustules (pussy sores) (picture 3), nodulocystic (hard, painful large pimples under the skin).
In diagnosing the disease, besides the appearance, it is important to investigate hormonal disorders and question drug use.
Acne treatment varies according to the age, gender, prevalence and severity of acne. While skin cleansing and some topical (applied) medications may be sufficient in mild cases, antibiotics, vitamin A derivatives and hormonal treatments may be required in severe acne.
In addition to these treatments, here are some things to know:
Soaps and detergents remove oil from the skin, but do not reduce its formation.
Since frequent washing of the face disrupts the oil balance, it is sufficient to wash only 2 times a day.
The use of non-drying, non-irritating cleaning products should be preferred.
Water-based cosmetics make fewer blackheads than oil-based ones.
We all know that acne that occurs during adolescence heals spontaneously without treatment, but one should be aware that severe acne that is not treated in a timely manner has some side effects that may be permanent, and a specialist should be consulted for its treatment in a timely manner (pictures 4 and 5).
