Acne sand: causes, characteristics, how to get rid of bruntusan

Are you experiencing acne in the form of small lumps that appear in large numbers and evenly? Most likely you experience sand pimples or what is commonly called bruntusan. Find out the causes and how to get rid of it below.

What is sand acne?

Sand acne or pimples are pimples that are characterized by small, undeveloped pimples or so-called pimples comedonal acne . This type of acne is usually barely visible, but feels rough to the touch.

In general, bruntusan includes various types of acne, namely acne pustules, whiteheads (whitehead), and pimple papules. All three are different from blackheads.

Blackheads usually just clog in the pores that are oxidized. Meanwhile, these pimples experience a blockage in the same area or even the deepest layer of the skin causing inflammation.

The characteristics of bruntusan

Source: Media Allure

The characteristics of sand pimples may look similar to regular pimples which sometimes appear 1-2 pieces. Even so, they are quite different, both in terms of characteristics and causes.

Ulcers are usually caused by skin irritation due to excessive pressure on the pores, heat, and friction on the skin. If the skin is subjected to constant friction, the surface will become rough and acne will develop.

Here are some of the characteristics of bruntusan that distinguish it from acne in general.

• Smaller in size.
• Has a white top of the head filled with pus and fat.
• Appears generously and evenly over the surface of the skin.
• Sometimes the surrounding skin is red due to severe inflammation.

In addition, sand acne is also easier to spread on the surface of the face, especially pimples on the cheeks or acne on the forehead. However, the area where acne appears is not only in one place.

This type of acne is very likely to spread to other areas of the skin. Even more so when you often squeeze pimples. The reason is, this habit can trigger the spread of infection and leave scars on the skin.

Causes of sand acne

As mentioned earlier, this cause of acne refers to skin irritation due to excessive friction and pressure. This condition usually comes from sports equipment or tight clothing rubbing against your skin.

The friction from these clothes and utensils causes skin irritation. When this happens on acne-prone skin, irritation can lead to the appearance of a large number of new pimples.

However, bruntusan can also be caused by clogging of pores by a combination of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria.

The pores are supposed to act as channels for the skin's oil and sweat to escape. However, the pathways of the pores are narrowed and covered by dead skin cells, preventing excess oil from escaping.

This condition causes excess sebum to become trapped and invites acne-causing bacteria to multiply. As a result, clogged pores become inflamed and cause lumps or pimples with pus.

Factors that trigger clogged pores

Actually there are many factors that cause clogged pores, including the following.

• Changes in androgen hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, and puberty that affect excess oil production.
• Stress that triggers hormonal changes and sleeping or eating habits.
• Often touch the face with dirty hands.
• It is rare to clean your face after putting on make-up.
• Lazy to wash your face.

How to get rid of sand acne

Basically, how to get rid of sand acne is similar to other forms of acne. What's more, there are now a variety of mild to moderate acne medications available over the counter on the market.

Even so, it is possible that you also need treatment from an expert. Here are some steps to get rid of this type of acne.

Acne medication without a doctor's prescription

Acne treatment products actually work in different ways, depending on the active ingredient.

Some over-the-counter acne medications kill the bacteria that cause acne. Meanwhile, some are used to remove excess oil from the skin or accelerate the growth of new skin cells.

The following are some of the ingredients in over-the-counter medicines to treat stubborn acne, including sand acne.

• Benzoyl peroxide (2.5 - 10%) to kill acne-causing bacteria.
• Salicylic acid (0.5 - 5%) to help prevent clogged pores.
• Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) helps remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation.
• Sulfur to remove dead skin cells and remove excess oil.

The four ingredients above are sometimes combined with each other to make acne treatment more effective. Don't forget that you need to follow the instructions on the drug label and pay attention to any side effects.

Acne treatment from a doctor

If the medicines that are easily available are not effective, you may need to consult a doctor to treat sand acne.

After you consult with your doctor and get a diagnosis of this skin problem, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. The use of antibiotics, such as doxycycline or tetracyline, usually aims to kill bacteria.

Not only that, this drug which is available in oral and topical forms also helps inhibit the growth of bacteria to reduce inflammation in the skin.

Antibiotics for acne do not work alone, but in combination with other drugs, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. That way, this drug combination is more effective in reducing the build-up of dead skin cells and speeding up the recovery process.

Even so, the use of this drug cannot be done in the long term because of the risk of bacterial resistance. After the skin condition improves, the use of antibiotics will be stopped and treatment will be continued with other types of drugs.

Tips to prevent the return of sand acne

Although acne medication is powerful, there are several natural ways that can be done to help restore sand acne. Some of these habits also need to be implemented to prevent acne from coming back.

Wash your face at least twice a day

Routine washing your face is a good habit. However, you certainly cannot wash your face carelessly with the care products you choose. Here are some tips on washing your face so that pimples don't appear again.

• Choose a mild cleansing soap.
• Do not rub the skin excessively, especially areas with acne.
• Avoid washing your face for too long as it can irritate the skin and can leave acne scars.
• Dry the skin with a soft towel.

choose skin care and cosmetics according to skin type

Apart from washing your face, you also need to be wise in choosing skin care and cosmetics according to your skin type. The reason is, the use of thick and oil-based cosmetics, especially when the skin is acne-prone, actually worsens the skin condition.

Therefore, always clean your face before using cosmetics and after activities. Try to choose cosmetics and skin care with little oil content and used within reasonable limits so as not to clog pores.

Don't forget to always use a special sunscreen for your face. Choose the material according to your skin type. The reason is, the acne creams or medications that you use can make you sensitive to sunlight.

Another precaution

In addition to the two methods that have been mentioned, there are several other things that need to be considered so that how to get rid of sand acne faster as follows.

• Maintain cleanliness of hair, especially on oily scalp.
• Don't squeeze pimples.
• Choose a moisturizer that is water-based and oil-free.
• Wear loose clothing, especially when exercising.
• Reduce skin friction caused by sports equipment with clean pads.

If you have further questions, you should contact your doctor to get the right solution.