Acne Treatment – causes, features and treatment options
At RPM Health Clinic, conveniently located in Leicester and Warwickshire, we specialize in acne vulgaris treatment, offering long-term management and prevention strategies to help you achieve clearer, more even-toned skin.
Effective Solution to Acne treatment at RPM Health Clinics. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward clear, healthy skin.
Video call appointments are available, allowing you to access expert care from the comfort of your home.
What is Acne?
Acne is a common chronic skin condition that affects the hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands. It occurs when the follicles become enlarged, blocked, and inflamed. This blockage can lead to a variety of acne types, such as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and more severe forms like cysts and nodules. There are several variants of acne, each with different characteristics and severity levels. Acne can affect self-esteem and quality of life, but effective treatments are available to help manage the condition.
Features of Acne Vulgaris
Acne can vary in severity and present with different types of lesions:
- Non-Inflammatory Lesions:
- Blackheads: Open comedones with darkened surfaces caused by oxidation.
- Whiteheads: Closed comedones, where the follicle is completely blocked.
- Inflammatory Lesions:
- Papules: Small, red, raised bumps caused by inflammation.
- Pustules: Lesions filled with pus, appearing as white or yellow bumps.
- Nodules: Large, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin.
- Cysts: Severe, deep, pus-filled lesions that can lead to scarring.
- Commonly Affected Areas:
- Face
- Chest
- Back
- Shoulders
Causes of Acne Vulgaris
Several factors contribute to the development of acne vulgaris. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective acne treatment in Leicester and Warwickshire, including:
- Increased Sebum Production:
During hormonal changes, such as puberty, sebaceous glands produce more oil, which can clog pores. - Clogged Hair Follicles:
Dead skin cells mix with excess oil, blocking the follicles and creating an environment for acne. - Bacterial Growth:
Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a bacteria that thrives in clogged pores, leading to inflammation. - Hormonal Fluctuations:
Changes in hormones, such as during puberty, menstrual cycles, or pregnancy, can trigger acne. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - Other Contributing Factors:
- Genetic predisposition
- Stress
- High humidity environments
- Occlusive cosmetics that block pores
- Use of certain medications or cosmetics, like steroids, hormones, anticonvulsants, and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
- Diet (e.g., high glycemic foods or dairy in some individuals)
Acne Treatment by RPM Health
Effective management of acne involves tailored treatments based on severity and individual needs. These include:
Topical Treatments
- Retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin, trifarotene ) : Help prevent clogged pores and reduce inflammation.
- Benzoyl Peroxide ( Acnecide 5%) : Reduces bacterial growth and clears blocked follicles.
- Antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin): Reduce inflammation and bacterial overgrowth.
RPM Derma Rx -Personalised Formulations
AcneClear Pro – Tretinoin 0.025% + Clindamycin 1% + Niacinamide 5%
Blemish Clear – Tretinoin 0.03% + Azelaic Acid 4% + Niacinamide 4%
FEMME Blemish Control – Spironolactone 5% + Tretinoin 0.025% + Niacinamide 5% + Azelaic Acid 4%
Oral Treatment:
- Antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, clarithromycin): For moderate to severe inflammatory acne.
- Hormonal Therapy: Combined oral contraceptives or spironolactone for hormonal acne.
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): A powerful option for severe, cystic, or resistant acne
