Acne & Scars

Early treatment of acne can prevent scarring and overcome the undesirable emotional and psychological effects.

Types of acne:

Whiteheads (totally clogged pores)
Blackheads (partially clogged, with air oxidation)
Papules (small red, tender bumps)
Pimples/pustules (small pus flled)
Cyst (large pus filled)
Nodules (large, painful lumps without pus)

What causes Acne?

Our skin contains sebaceous glands that secretes oil called sebum. Meanwhile, our skin constantly sheds dead skin cells. When oil and dead skin cells clog up the pore, it allows the bacteria to thrive.

In response to this, body defends itself against the bacteria by sending cells to kill the bacteria. This results in swelling and inflammation of the pore turning it into papules, and when pus appears it is called pustule (pimple).

Factors Aggravating Acne

Treatments of Acne

Ways to combat acne start with our daily habits such as practicing good hygiene, avoid touching face, proper skin products, and regular deep cleansing of face. It is important not to squeeze and extract the ‘acne head’ (comedone) by hand. With the advancement of technology, we can use machine to perform the cleansing without the need to go through the painful extraction which could encourage the formation of acne scar.

Other treatments of acne include chemical peel, IPL, Omega light and laser.

Prescription medicines such as antibiotic, isotretinoin or oral contraceptive may be required for moderate to severe acne. Isotretinoin (Nimegen/Oratane) is very effective in drying up the active acne and preventing new one from forming. With prolonged use of 4-12 months, isotretinoin can modify the oil glands which in turn reduces acne recurrence rate.