Zits (Acne): Overview

Acne, often known as zits, is a skin disorder that usually appears in adolescence but can sometimes recur in age. It mostly affects the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders since these regions have a high density of sebaceous glands. The several signs of acne are listed below:

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Types of Acne Lesions

Non-Inflammatory Lesions:

Whiteheads (closed comedones): These are little pimples that resemble flesh or are white. They develop when a pore is clogged by dead skin cells, oil, and germs.
Open comedones, or blackheads: These are little, dark-colored pimples that form when partially obstructed pores oxidize and turn black due to trapped material.

Inflammatory Lesions:

apules: Tiny, raised, red pimples that are sensitive to pressure. They appear when there is extreme inflammation, causing the walls around the pores to disintegrate.
Pustules: Tender, red pimples with tips filled with white or yellow pus. These happen when white blood cells mobilize to combat infection.

Severe Lesions:

Nodules: Subcutaneous lumps that are large, firm, and painful. These can leave scars behind when a buildup inside a pore happens far below the surface.
Cysts: Big, painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin that can leave noticeable scarring. Since they are the most severe type of acne, medical intervention is frequently required for treatment.

General Symptoms

Oily Skin: Oily skin is caused by an increase in sebum production.
Redness and Swelling: Because acne causes inflammation, afflicted areas frequently seem red and swollen.
Tenderness or Pain: Acne lesions, especially cysts and nodules, can hurt when touched.
Itching: Certain acne lesions may itch, particularly when they start to heal.

Additional Symptoms and Complications

Scarring: Severe acne can leave behind elevated, pitted, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmented scars.
Dark Spots: Usually remaining on the skin after an acne lesion has healed, these dark patches are also referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Psychological Impact: especially among teenagers and young adults, acne can cause mental anguish, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is acne (zits)?

Acne, often known as zits, is a skin disorder characterized by the formation of pimples. It typically begins during adolescence but can persist or recur into adulthood. Acne primarily affects areas with a high density of sebaceous glands, such as the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.

What are the types of acne lesions?

Acne lesions can be non-inflammatory (whiteheads and blackheads), inflammatory (papules and pustules), or severe (nodules and cysts).

What are the general symptoms of acne?

General symptoms of acne include oily skin due to increased sebum production, redness and swelling of affected areas, tenderness or pain with lesions, and itching, particularly during the healing process.

What are the complications of acne?

Complications of acne may include scarring (elevated, pitted, or hyperpigmented), dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) that remain after lesions heal, and psychological impact such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and mental anguish, especially among teenagers and young adults.

How are severe acne lesions treated?

Severe acne lesions such as nodules and cysts often require medical intervention. Treatments may include prescription medications like isotretinoin, oral antibiotics, or procedures like corticosteroid injections or drainage by a dermatologist.