What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Acne?

Acne-related symptoms differ from one person to another. There may be painful, pus-filled lumps appearing underneath the surface of the skin, which are referred to as cystic lesions. Pimples occur as papules filled with pus at the tips. If you notice some open plugged pores in your skin, those are called blackheads, while whiteheads are seen as closed plugged pores. People with acne also experience having large, solid-like lumps under the skin surface, which are often accompanied with severe pain. The small, reddish, tender bumps are referred to as papules.

When to Seek Medication

If home remedies fail to work effectively curing your acne, it would be advisable seeing a primary care doctor. He/she can prescribe healthy medications. If your acne is severe, you might want to seek medication from a professional doctor, who has exceptional expertise in disorders affecting the skin.

People are warned against certain non-prescription acne cleansers, drugs, lotions, and any other skin products that can trigger serious reactions. However, this kind of reaction is very rare; thus, it shouldn’t be mistaken for the redness, itchiness, and irritations that occur after the application of some medications or certain products. Seek urgent medical services if after applying a nonprescription product on your skin if you experience:

• Faintness
• Sudden tightness in your throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the tongue, eyes, lips, and face

Self-help Techniques to Help Alleviate Acne

Skin Care

There are ways to improve your skin from acne. Here are some tips on taking care of your skin on a daily basis:

• Remove makeup before retiring to bed.
• Avoid washing the affected regions of the skin several times a day. Regular washing can lead to extreme irritation of the skin and even worsen the symptoms. 
• Use a mild soap or gentle cleanser plus lukewarm water to clean your skin. Extremely hot or cold water can worsen the symptoms associated with acne. 
• Avoid scrubbing blackheads or squeezing spots. This may worsen them leading to permanent scarring. 
• Resist from using too much makeup or cosmetics.
• Utilize water-based products, which are called non-comedogenic. 
• Wash your hair on a regular basis and try not to allow your hair touching your skin. 
• If your skin is dry, use fragrance-free emollients.

Frequent exercising can’t better your acne, but it can play a crucial role in boosting your mood and improving your self-esteem. Take a shower immediately after exercising since sweat can also irritate your acne.

Though acne isn’t curable, it can be managed with proper treatment. Multiple gels, creams, and lotions for treating acne-related spots can be readily obtained at local pharmacies. If you’re suffering from acne, it’s advisable to consult your pharmacist for more advice. Products containing liberal amounts of benzoyl peroxide might be recommended - but you should be extra cautious about such drug since it could end up bleaching your skin. If you’re having severe acne, or the symptoms manifest at the back or chest, you might need antibiotic treatments or stronger creams available as prescriptions. 

Acne is caused by hormonal changes like those occurring during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause. Such episodes cause acne in women. Again, it’s believed that no connection exists between acne, diet and sexual activity. It’s imperative that you avoid exposing your skin to possible triggers of your condition. Certain foods, cosmetics or medications can trigger acne. Therefore, try keeping track of your triggers and once you identify them, completely avoid their usage.

Acne isn’t infectious and isn’t caused by dirt. Therefore, stop scrubbing your face too hard.