Acne

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that is highly prevalent worldwide, with up to 80% of people suffering from it at some point in their lives, especially during adolescence.

Acne often becomes chronic into adulthood and is increasingly common in adults over 25 years of age, especially in women and in smokers.

The cause of acne is multifactorial: genetics, sebaceous hypersecretion due to androgen stimulation, proliferation of certain strains of Propionibacterium acnes, changes in the cutaneous microbiota and alterations in immunity.

There are factors that can aggravate or even promote the appearance of acne outbreaks, such as emotional stress, smoking, a diet rich in industrial saturated fats, hormonal alterations, some medications or the use of unsuitable cosmetics.

Acne manifests itself mainly on the face, décolleté and back through the appearance of different types of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, such as red pimples (papules), pus pimples (pustules), blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones).

Depending on the predominance of the type of lesions we find, we call acne as retentional or microcystic, inflammatory or nodular. And according to the intensity of the lesions, it can be mild, moderate or severe, even causing great affectation of the patient’s quality of life.

Acne is a skin disease that often leaves marks and scars for life. That is why it is important to address its treatment from the onset of symptoms in order to avoid its possible aesthetic sequelae.

Retentional, comedonal or microcystic acne is characterized by the predominance of blackheads or white microcysts. Although in this type of acne there is no inflammation, it can be persistent and evolve to more inflammatory or severe forms.

When inflammation appears, we speak of inflammatory or papulopustular acne, where comedones become inflamed and turn into papules (red, tender bumps) or pustules (similar to papules, but with purulent content). This phase usually presents redness and discomfort, requiring more specific treatment.

In more advanced cases, nodulocystic acne arises, where inflammatory lesions are deeper and more painful. Firm nodules develop under the skin that may transform into cysts, with a high risk of leaving permanent scars if not properly treated.

The most severe form is acne conglobata, characterized by extensive inflammatory lesions that interconnect forming abscesses and fistulas. This variant is difficult to manage and can leave deep scars, significantly affecting the skin and the patient’s quality of life.

Each type of acne requires a specific treatment approach, and early diagnosis is key to avoid complications and minimize sequelae.

The treatment of acne varies according to its type and severity. In milder cases, topical cosmetic treatments may be sufficient, while in more severe cases it may be necessary to resort to oral drugs or specific dermatological procedures.

Topical therapies. For milder and moderate cases, topical treatments are usually the first choice. Hydroxy acids and retinoids are key to improve cell renewal and prevent the formation of new comedones. Antimicrobial agents are also used to reduce bacterial growth and help to reduce inflammation of the lesions. In some cases, topical antibiotics are used to control infection.
Systemic treatments. When acne is moderate or severe and does not respond to topical treatments, oral antibiotics can be used to help reduce inflammation and bacterial load. In cases resistant to oral antibiotics and topical therapy, oral isotretinoin is the treatment of choice, as it acts directly on the sebaceous glands, reducing their size and effectively improving the signs and symptoms of acne. In women with hormonal acne, oral contraceptives and anti-androgens can help regulate outbreaks. The use of systemic medical treatment requires an indication and strict medical follow-up by the dermatologist.
Dermatological procedures. In addition to pharmacological treatments, there are complementary procedures that can improve the appearance of the skin and speed recovery. Chemical peels help exfoliate the skin and reduce blackheads or open comedones. Laser and pulsed light therapy can be helpful in reducing inflammation and improving skin texture. In cases of persistent cystic or comedonal acne, dermatologists may perform controlled excisions to remove lesions without causing damage to the surrounding skin.

Tuderma treatments:

Chemical peeling

It renews the superficial layers of the skin, leaving it more luminous and uniform. Reduces blemishes, tightens pores, prevents wrinkles and helps produce collagen, improving skin health.

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Dermatological laser

The dermatological laser is an advanced technology used to treat various skin conditions and improve skin quality. Its precision allows it to act on specific layers of the skin, offering effective results with reduced recovery time.

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In addition to medical treatments, adopting a proper skin care routine is key to taking care of acne-prone skin and avoiding irritation and inflammation. It is advisable to wash the face once or twice a day with a mild cleanser without drying the skin. After cleansing, maintaining adequate hydration can help preserve the skin barrier.

Manipulation of the lesions should be avoided as it increases the risk of subsequent inflammation as well as the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, cysts and scarring.

Although diet does not directly cause acne, reducing consumption of foods high in saturated fats may improve the skin in some cases. In addition, managing stress through relaxation or exercise helps regulate acne breakouts.

At TUDERMA, we offer specific treatments for each type of acne, adapting to the individual needs of each patient. Our team of dermatologists performs a detailed diagnosis to recommend the best therapeutic option, combining medical treatments and advanced dermatological care.