ACNE & PIMPLESThis is a condition which affects the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands. Many of us call this Pimples.
It causes blockage of these glands and often leads to inflammation (swelling and redness). Basically you can imagine that your pores get blocked and swell up from a build up of material(sebum) from these glands. In addition, a bacteria on the skin has also been shown to be associated with acne formation and inflammation. This bacteria is called Propionibacterium acnes. Forms of Acne In general we can classify acne into a few broad categories. Mild Mainly Comedones - These are the blocked pores that swell up but have not become inflamed. They look like small swellings that have not erupted and become red. The pores can be so blocked that they become filled with some dirt and look a bit black. When there is a black dot like appearance, we also call this black heads. Moderate Presence of Inflammation - When the comedones become irritated and red, they swell up further. This gives the typical appearance of acne with its red swelling like appearance. When pus starts to build up inside, we call the swellings pustules. Severe When the pustules start to swell up further and increase in numbers, we call this nodulocystic acne. This is a more severe form of acne and will require more medication to treat. Treatment Treatment of acne is targeted at reducing the blockage of the pores, inflammation and reducing the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. At GREENLINK MEDICAL CLINIC, we try to use topical treatments as far as possible. Treatment usually consists of using a cleanser and solution that can effectively remove excess oil and dead skin, a topical cream/gel to control the amount of oil and inflammation being produced and a light moisturizer to calm the skin. Some cases will need oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation and Propionibacterium acnes. Another scenario where oral antibiotics may be used is when there is more extensive acne over the chest and back area where it may be difficult to apply a large amount of topical cream/gel. In any case, every patient is different and treatment is individualized to what is required. Darkening of the Skin Sometimes you will see dark patches. As the Acne lesions heal, they darken and cause brown spots that are quite unsightly. This is known as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. In such cases, we may use topical creams to lighten these patches or some oral antioxidants. In general, we review our acne patients on a monthly basis and hope to discharge the patient by 3 to 4 months. Acne treatment is not something that is very fast and after achieving control, you will need to take care of your skin and maintain it as well. Drop by for a consult at our clinic, GREENLINK MEDICAL CLINIC, which is located in Yishun next to khatib MRT station if you have acne problems.
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GREENLINK MEDICAL CLINIC
BLK 807 YISHUN RING ROAD, #01-4213, SINGAPORE 760807
NEXT TO KHATIB MRT
BLK 807 YISHUN RING ROAD, #01-4213, SINGAPORE 760807
NEXT TO KHATIB MRT