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Stages Of Acne: Mild Acne |
Acne is defined as the inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin due to which pimples or pustules are produced. All of us are prone to acne. Studies have found that acne has left deep psychological and social scars on individuals, who have suffered from it. It is a dermatological condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Acne can be found in three different stages- mild, moderate and severe.
Mild acne:
According to the various grading systems used by various dermatologists, acne is considered to be mild when there are up to 3 dozen comedones and/or scattered papules, no big permanent lesions and lesions which are not visible from 2.5m away, on your skin. It consists of closed comedones, open comedones and papules. It can be found in anybody ranging from infants to people in their old age. It can be found anywhere on the skin, that is, the face, arms, back, thighs, chest or shoulders.
Management of mild acne:
1. Mild acne can be treated with topical gels, solutions and lotions or other medicines available over the counter (OTC).
2. Wash the acne affected areas twice daily. Use a mild cleanser. Over-washing your acne affected area will not rid you of your acne. So, do not overdo it. And do not use a hard soap.
3. Apply anti acne products after washing the affected area. Make sure that you apply the product over the whole area rather than on individual spots.
4. Try to apply your anti acne products twice a day.
5. If your anti acne products are drying your skin, do not worry. They do that in the initial two to four weeks of use.
6. If the affected area starts peeling because of the drying action of your anti acne products then apply an oil free, noncomedogenic and nonacnegenic (that, which does not clog your pores) sunscreen. These sunscreens are easily available in the market. In fact, some of them also contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which help in fighting acne.
7. Do not use oil based moisturizers or cosmetics.
8. Do not worry, if you do not see the results immediately. It would take several weeks or even months to see the improvements.
9. Discontinue the use of a product, if it irritates your skin. Also consult a dermatologist, who would then advise you on the products that you can use.
Medications for mild acne:
1. Antiseptic washes or any of your mild daily skin wash.
2. Mild acne wash containing salicylic acid. This would help exfoliate and unplug the hair follicles.
3. Creams containing benzoyl peroxide.
4. Stabilized cream containing hydrogen peroxide.
5. You can also use clindamycin or erythromycin solutions or gels in combination with benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid. This would help you to reduce the chances of antibiotic resistance.
6. You can also use retinoids.
If your acne spots do not disappear within six weeks in spite of these tips and medications then there are chances that you are suffering from moderate or severe acne. In this condition, it is highly advisable to visit a dermatologist. Read articles Stages Of Acne : Moderate Acne and Stages Of Acne : Severe Acne for more details.
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