Acne infection: traits

Causes of infection in acne

The main cause of acne is clogging of pores by three things: excess oil production, buildup of dead skin cells, and bacterial infections. Bacterial infection is one of the factors that cause infection in acne. Why is that?

In addition to hormonal changes, puberty also increases the number of certain types of bacteria, such as:

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) or Cutibaterium acnes (C. acnes) ,
Propionibacterium granulosum , and
Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Even so, the severity of infected zits does not depend on the amount of bacteria on the surface of the skin. The amount and activity of bacteria is usually based on oxygen levels, nutrients, and the pH level of the skin.

Some types of acne can be caused by bacteria P. acnes , while others may be caused by other bacteria or other causes.

P. acnes is the type of bacteria that most commonly causes pimples to become infected and swollen. This is because P. acnes can produce active enzymes and innate inflammation, thereby triggering skin inflammation as a result of the immune system response.

In addition, the habit of squeezing pimples can also cause infection because bacteria can enter the wound. If treated promptly, infected pimples can develop into cystic acne and can leave acne scars that are difficult to remove.

Symptoms of infection in acne

Hormonal Acne Treatments in Singapore

Acne that appears on the surface of the skin is usually more susceptible to bacteria, especially when you touch it frequently with dirty hands. As a result, pimples can become inflamed and grow bigger.

If you have acne, identify whether your acne has been infected or not. The reason is, getting rid of infected acne is not the same as ordinary acne. For more details, here are some signs that indicate acne has been infected.

Painful to the touch.
Bigger than regular pimples.
Acne is red with inflammation.
The size is bigger than usual pimples.
There are white spots that indicate pus.

How to deal with infected pimples

One of the main keys to treating infected pimples is breaking the habit of squeezing pimples. Squeezing pimples, especially those that are already infected, will only worsen your skin condition.

In addition, this type of acne is caused by bacteria which of course need to be fought so that acne can disappear.

Medicines such as salicylic acid are usually not effective in treating this acne. The reason is, salicylic acid cannot kill bacteria, but only reduces the spread of acne to other areas.

Here are some ways you can get rid of bacterial infections in acne.

Antibiotics for acne that can reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Benzoyl peroxide which can help kill acne bacteria.

Antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide are usually prescribed together by a doctor. Always follow the doctor's instructions so that the acne healing process runs faster.

If the acne does not go away, the doctor will usually use other methods to get rid of the acne, such as acne extraction. Acne extraction is manual acne removal with a special tool to remove blackheads.

This method is usually recommended when acne medication is not effective at clearing the skin and is rarely the first choice because it is quite expensive.

Not only extraction, infection in acne, especially acne nodules, can be eliminated by injecting corticosteroids. That way, the healing process runs faster and reduces the risk of acne scars appearing.

If you have any further questions regarding acne extraction and corticosteroid injections, please consult your doctor.