Acne Vulgaris
Acne is an inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous unit. Understanding the type of acne you have is crucial to selecting the right treatment.
Types of Acne Lesions
- Comedones: Open (blackheads) and closed (whiteheads). Caused by blocked pores. Best treated with retinoids or salicylic acid.
- Papules & Pustules: Red bumps and pus-filled spots. Inflammatory lesions that respond well to benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics.
- Nodules & Cysts: Deep, painful, large lumps. High risk of scarring. Often requires systemic treatment like Isotretinoin.
Treatment Timeline
Patience is Key
No acne treatment works overnight. Most topical treatments take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use to show significant improvement. In the first 2-4 weeks, the skin may appear worse (purging) or become dry and irritated.
Treatment Options Overview
| Severity | First-line Treatment Options | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Topical Retinoid OR Benzoyl Peroxide | Unblocks pores / Antibacterial |
| Moderate | Topical Combination (e.g., Epiduo) OR Oral Antibiotics (Lymecycline) | Reduces inflammation and bacteria |
| Severe / Scarring | Oral Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) - Specialist only | Shrinks sebaceous glands |
If your acne is causing psychological distress or beginning to scar, you should see a doctor promptly rather than relying solely on over-the-counter skincare.