Acne Skin Disorders - Symptoms and Treatments

Skin disorders afflict both men and women of all ages. Sometimes they may be part of the growing up process, or may be an allergic reaction to some chemicals. Skin disorders may also be indicative of a deeper disease. Lots of skin ailments are temporary or may go away on their own, but some prove to be chronic and may require lifelong treatment to manage the symptoms.

Acne is a common skin disorder that affects many people. According to the National Institute of Arthritis, and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) in the United States (US), up to 80% of people in the age group 11 to 30 are affected by Acne at some time. Characterised by pimples or similar lesions, Acne in women can also be indicative of an underlying disease.

This article describes the development of Acne, its symptoms, skin disorder and treatment options, if any is required. It also takes a look at a list of skin disorders, which are similar in symptoms. This article is meant for information purposes only and should not be used as a diagnostic tool.

Acne - Most Common Among Skin Disorders

Acne skin disorders are typically associated with pimples in teenagers. Pimples are a type of lesions, which can be found not only in the face, but also in the neck and shoulder area. The unsightly eruptions cause great anxiety in teenagers. Acne can affect other age groups as well and may be more severe for some people.

Why are teenagers more prone to Acne? Acne has a lot to do with hormone levels, mainly hormones such as androgen and testosterone. Our skin, especially in the face and neck areas, has oil glands also called sebaceous glands. Hormones such as androgen and testosterone cause the oil glands or sebaceous glands to enlarge. The sebaceous gland makes an oily substance called Sebum, which reaches our skin surface through a hair follicle or cavity containing hair root, opening out into our skin via a skin pore. Suppose a lot of Sebum is produced. The Sebum gangs up together with cells in the follicle and hair to block the follicle or pore. This is when skin disorders arise.

The first type of Acne lesion that develops is called a Comedone. Blackheads and white heads are both types of comedones. When the follicle ruptures, skin inflammation such as pimples erupt.

Lesions in Acne Skin Disorders

Lesions developed in Acne skin disorders can be categorised according to the stage of development. The lesions can occur on the face - nose and chin area, as well as on the neck and back.

The types of Acne lesions include:

• Comedones - This type of lesion is formed when the sebaceous glands secrete excess Sebum, which goes on to block the skin pores along with skin cells. Comedones themselves are of different types:
  • Whitehead - When the hair follicle containing the Sebum is fully blocked and is under the skin, it produces a small white inflammation or swelling, which is known as a Whitehead. Whiteheads are also known as closed Comedones.
  • Blackhead - When the enlarged follicle and Sebum open ups to the skin surface via a skin pore, it is visible as a small black spot or discolouration. The discolouration is due to melanin, a skin pigment. Blackheads are known as open comedones and typically abound on areas of the nose.
• Papules - When blocked hair follicles rupture, inflammatory lesions such as Papules start to form. These are small, solid, reddish bumps on the skin.
• Pimples or Pustules - These are small pus filled papules or skin inflammations.
• Nodules - A more serious type of lesion, nodules are formed deep in the skin surface. Outwardly, it can appear raised and solid. It may be present both above and below the skin.
• Cysts - Pus filled nodules are called cysts. Acne cysts can cause permanent scars.

List of Skin Disorders with Similar Symptoms

Some other skin disorders may exhibit similar types of lesions or inflammations. A brief list of skin disorders with symptoms similar to Acne includes:

• Rosacea - Symptoms of Rosacea include red papules and pistules, mostly on the face. This type of skin disorder is characterised by redness or flushing of the face. This mainly affects Europeans, particular those who are Celtic.
• Perioral Dermatitis - A condition affecting adult women, the main symptoms are papules, which are small and red in colour, occurring near the sides of the chin, upper lip and around the nose.
• Neonatal Acne - In this disorder, pustules occur on the face and scalp of newborn babies. It generally goes away on its own.

Skin Disorder and Treatments

Many common skin disorders are temporary and may disappear with time and age. However, in some persistent or severe cases, consultation with a dermatologist may be needed for treatments. Sometimes severe Acne in young women may also be indicative of deep hormonal imbalances and maybe even a symptom of conditions such as Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Since Acne treatment involves correcting internal hormonal imbalances as well as external inflammation, an integrated approach for such types of skin disorder and treatments is needed.

Temporary relief can be given for lesions with topical medication like creams and lotions, antibiotics to prevent inflammation and Retinoids or Vitamin A derivatives. Homeopathy also can offer effective medication for such skin orders.

Cosmetic treatments such as laser scar removal, known as laser resurfacing, is also being used to remove Acne scars for those severely affected.

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