Understanding Acne Vulgaris Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

March 6, 2023

Acne happens when under-skin hair follicles get clogged- it is a common skin condition that affects majority of population. Dead skin cells and sebum (oil helping in skin from drying out) plug the pores, leading to outbreak of lesions, known as zits or pimples. The outbreaks usually occur on face, but can also appear on chest, back and shoulder.

Click here for more information about acne and its treatment- by Dr. Evangelynn Singh Nallapalli, Consultant Dermatologist, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.

For consultation regarding acne and other dermatological issues, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology today, and get an appointment with the best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain.

Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

Acne Rosacea

Acne rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition causing rash and reddened skin, generally on cheeks and nose. It can also cause eye problems. Symptoms come and go; however, they are generally aggravated by certain aspects including emotional stress or spending time in the sun. Rosacea has no cure; however, the symptoms remain under control with continuous treatment- which generally includes a combination of medication and self-help measures, and it is selected based on symptoms.

Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common type of acne, characterized by eruption of inflammatory as well as non-inflammatory skin lesions. This type of acne is also known as spots, pimples, or zits. It generally affects face, but can also occur on chest, neck, back or the sometimes even the entire body.

Individual lesions are generally centered on pilosebaceous unit- which is the hair follicle and oil gland associated with it. A variety of acne spots can occur at the same time, and there can be inflammatory nodules, pustules, papules, and non-inflamed pseudocysts and comedones present on the skin.

Click here for more information about acne and its treatment- by Dr. Evangelynn Singh Nallapalli, Consultant Dermatologist, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.

Acne Vulgaris Symptoms

Common acne vulgaris symptoms include:

  • Whiteheads- the closed plugged pores.
  • Blackheads- the open plugged pores.
  • Papules- tender red bumps.
  • Pustules- containing pus.
  • Nodules or cystic lesions- painful lumps beneath skin

If you have symptoms of acne vulgaris mentioned above, consult an expert dermatologist for early diagnosis and treatment options. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology we have best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain– get in touch today for consultation and get expert opinion.

Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

Acne Vulgaris Causes

While there are several misconceptions regarding acne vulgaris causes, the actual reason is quite complex. The most common cause is overactive oil gland at the tip of hair follicle, due to hormonal changes, resulting in clogged and inflamed pore.

It can happen at any age, but is most likely to happen at puberty. Many women experience acne outbreaks before their period, and birth control pills are generally used to manage the issue.

Acne Treatment

Acne treatment aims at preventing and treating acne, while preventing scarring. The following methods are generally used for acne treatment:

Over-the-counter treatment-for basic acne, the patient can use:

  • Benzoyl peroxide.
  • Adapalene (Differin, a topical retinoid).
  • Salicylic acid.

Prescription treatment– for severe acne, the doctor would prescribe:

  • Topical or oral antibiotics.
  • Oral isotretinoin.
  • Birth control pills (for female patients).
  • Oral steroid in case of severe flareup.

Lifestyle changes:

  • Avoid sun exposure.
  • Avoid touching/ picking acne lesions.
  • Avoid food items that flare acne.

For early diagnosis and effective treatment of acne and other dermatological issues, get in touch Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology today and get an appointment with the best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain.

Click here for more information about acne and its treatment- by Dr. Evangelynn Singh Nallapalli, Consultant Dermatologist, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.

Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scars are generally stubborn, and different treatment methods are beneficial for different individuals. Commonly used acne scar treatment methods include:

  • Home skin care.
  • Soft tissue fillers.
  • Steroid injections.
  • Laser resurfacing.
  • Energy-based procedures.
  • Chemical peel.
  • Skin needling.
  • OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox).

Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Dermatology & Cosmetology

For more information about acne and other dermatological diseases, consult an expert dermatologist/ cosmetologist. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology, we have experienced and highly qualified doctors, state-of-the-art laboratories and modern equipment, to provide early detection and treatment options for all the patients.

Get in touch with Al Hilal Hospital today, and get consultation with the best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain for early diagnosis and treatment of acne and other dermatological issues. For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

Written by: Dr. Susan Abraham
MBBS, M.D