Acne nodules: causes, features

Definition

What are acne nodules?

Nodular acne is a type of pimple under the surface of the skin that feels hard and sore. Unlike regular pimples, which heal within a few days, these pimples can last for weeks, even months.

Usually, these pimples are quite large, so they can be clearly seen if they occur on the face. This condition certainly reduces the appearance of the skin and makes most people less confident.

Acne, including severe acne, will feel hard to the touch and cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications.

How common is this condition?

Generally, this acne can happen to anyone, especially adolescents during puberty. However, this is more common in boys than girls.

Even so, adults can also experience this non-contagious skin disease due to various factors. Therefore, avoid various risk factors for the appearance of acne so that this condition does not happen to you, including adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of acne nodules?

To make it easier for you to distinguish nodule acne from regular acne, there are several signs and symptoms to look out for, which include the following.

• A lump under the skin that makes the area tighten.
• Areas of tightened skin appear red due to inflammation.
• It hurts to the touch.
• Does not have a "head" filled with pus.
• Difficult to get rid of, aka acne can last for weeks to months.

There may be a variety of symptoms not listed above. If you are worried about symptoms that resemble acne, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Keep in mind that home remedies or over the counter remedies cannot cure this acne. It's best to call your doctor right away if you suspect that your skin problem is acne nodules.

The sooner you get acne treatment from a doctor, the easier it will be to treat and heal acne skin.

Cause

What causes acne nodules?

Just like other acne causes, acne nodules are caused by clogged pores due to a buildup of dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria.

Even so, one of the main triggers for the appearance of this acne is the hormone androgen. If the level of androgens increases, the oil production in the skin also increases.

Apart from supporting the function of the sexual organs, androgens can also change the chemical makeup of skin oils. As a result, pores are more easily clogged and provide an environment that supports acne-causing bacteria to multiply.

Not only that, this acne is also inflamed until it penetrates deeper into the skin layer, so it is categorized as a severe acne.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for this condition?

There are at least two factors that can increase a person's risk of developing acne nodules as follows.

Androgen hormone imbalance

Excess androgen hormones usually stimulate the production of more oil. As a result, the skin becomes oilier and there is a risk of clogging pores.

This condition usually occurs during menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, or using certain drugs, such as corticosteroid ointments and lithium.

Heredity

Genes inherited from parents or family can actually increase the risk of acne.

So, if there is a family member who has a problem with acne nodules, it is likely that the other family members also have the condition.

Diagnosis and treatment

What are the usual tests for acne nodules?

Normally, the diagnosis of acne nodules is done by examining the skin with acne directly. Then, he will determine the severity and appropriate treatment to treat acne.

If your acne is severe, your doctor may recommend additional treatments to make it more effective and your skin to heal faster.

What are the treatment options for acne nodules?

Usually, the doctor will recommend a number of treatments to get rid of acne nodules. This is because over-the-counter treatments tend to be ineffective and can leave larger permanent acne scars.

Below are some treatments for inflamed nodule acne.

Antibiotics

If acne nodules are caused by a bacterial infection, giving acne antibiotics is usually one way to deal with this skin problem. Antibiotics such as tetracycline are said to be effective in killing and inhibiting bacterial growth.

However, antibiotics can only be used in the short term so as not to cause antibiotic resistance. Treatment normally lasts 7 - 10 days and is combined with the use of other topical and oral medications, such as:

• benzoyl peroxide,
• retinoids, and
• salicylic acid.

Isotretinoin

Apart from antibiotics, isotretinoin is commonly used in the treatment of nodular acne or other types of severe acne, including cystic acne. However, the use of this drug must be under the supervision of a doctor because it can cause side effects, such as:

• dry skin, eyes, lips, and throat,
• the skin is more sensitive to the sun, as well
• headache accompanied by body aches.

In addition, isotretinoin is not recommended for pregnant women because it can interfere with fetal growth. So, make sure first whether you are pregnant or not before using this medicine.

Family planning pills

For women who have acne prone skin and are caused by an imbalance of androgen hormones, birth control pills for acne can be an option.

Birth control pills are anti-androgen drugs that can suppress the activity of the sebaceous glands while producing sebum. However, the use of this drug needs to be considered considering the side effects that are not small.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat acne nodules?

Although medical care is necessary, there are home remedies for acne that can be applied. This aims to speed up the recovery process and prevent pimples from coming back.

Here are some natural ways that can help cure acne nodules.

• Wash your face with a mild cleansing soap at least twice a day.
• Choose a labeled care product non-comedogenic (does not cause blackheads), non-acnegenic (does not cause acne), or oil-free (oil free).
• Avoid using makeup that is too thick.
• Always remove makeup before going to bed at night.
• Avoid touching the face with dirty hands.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 so that sun exposure does not worsen acne.
• Apply ice or warm water to the pimple that feels sore.

If you have further questions, you should consult a dermatologist to get the right solution.