Causes of increased acne
Poor hygiene does not cause acne, but some factors can increase follicle blockage or inflammation, including the use of oily products that clog pores, wearing helmets, masks, and tight clothing for long periods, sweating with friction, and using some oily hair products that come into contact with the forehead.
Acne-like blisters may appear with medications such as cortisone, anabolic steroids, lithium, and some epilepsy medications. Trying to squeeze or pop pimples with fingernails can push inflammation deeper into the layers and increase the risk of pigmentation and scarring.
Psychological stress is not the sole cause of the disease, but it may increase the severity of existing acne, possibly through hormones, inflammatory mediators, increased skin picking, and sleep disturbances.
Acne ranges from mild cases consisting mainly of whiteheads and blackheads, to inflamed red pimples and pus-filled pustules, and in more severe cases, painful deep nodules or cysts appear that may extend under the skin and leave visible scars.
The assessment of disease severity does not depend solely on the number of pimples. The location of the infection, the likelihood of scarring, skin color, the presence of pigmentation, and the disease’s impact on psychological state and social life are all factors that go into determining treatment.
The inflammation may leave red or brown spots even after the pimple disappears. These spots do not necessarily represent permanent scars, but they may last for months, especially in people with dark skin, while true scars are low in the form of pits or raised and thick in some people.
Acne, especially when it affects the face, is linked to decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and social isolation. The psychological burden can be significant even when a doctor classifies the condition as moderate. Therefore, guidelines recommend considering psychological distress and the risk of scarring when deciding on treatment.
