Acne is a common condition that most of us have dealt with at some point in our lives. Acne, or acne vulgaris, is a skin condition in which the pores and hair follicles of the skin get clogged with sebum, an oily, wax-textured substance secreted from the skin glands. Though the face is the most commonly affected area, acne can occur anywhere on the body, like the chest, shoulders, and upper back.
Acne is mainly of two types, comedogenic and non-comedogenic. Comedogenic acne is mainly non-inflammatory and can be seen in the form of whiteheads and blackheads. On the other hand, non-comedogenic acne is inflammatory and may be red, pus-filled, and painful.
The treatment of acne comprises topical, systemic, and lifestyle remedies. Topical remedies include prescribed ointments or cleansers. Systemic therapy consists of antibiotics or hormonal preparations to keep acne at bay. Lifestyle changes for acne majorly include a clean diet, better hydration, and regular exercise. Timely treatment of acne can greatly help prevent acne scars in the future.
