Pimples on the face (acne) - causes, prevention and methods of combating acne

Skin as an organ

Skin is the dense outer covering of a person.
It is an independent organ that performs specific functions. First of all, the skin is necessary to protect internal organs from physical, chemical and microbiological influences. In addition, the skin contains a large number of receptors that provide tactile, temperature and pain sensitivity. Damage to the integumentary tissue always increases the risk of developing an infection or inflammatory process. Diseases of internal organs can also cause skin lesions. Cover departments:

The epidermis is the outermost part of the skin, formed by five layers of cells. The upper layer of the epidermis is represented by dead (keratinized) cells necessary for the formation of a biological barrier. The lower layers ensure the renewal of the cellular composition of the epidermis.
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin. This is the area where smooth muscle fibers, blood vessels, nerves, glands, hair follicles and other structures are located.
Adipose tissue is the deepest layer of the skin, mainly consisting of adipose tissue. This section of the organ provides protection to underlying tissues from temperature changes and external physical influences.

Scientists include external respiration, water-salt regulation, vitamin D formation and blood deposition as additional functions of the skin. The structure of the skin differs in different parts of the body. Thus, the thicker skin of the soles of the feet does not contain hair follicles. Nails, which are derivatives of the skin, form at the tips of the fingers. Also, different areas of the skin differ in the number of sweat and sebaceous glands.

Classification

Pyoderma is not a separate disease. In medicine, this term is used to refer to any pathologies manifested by purulent skin lesions. Different types of pyoderma differ in the depth of damage to the skin and the causative agent of infection. The most common type of pyoderma is a boil, which is a purulent inflammation of the hair follicle.

Other types of pathology:

Streptoderma is superficial pyoderma, in which multiple ulcers appear on the surface of the patient’s face, torso and limbs. A bullous rash occurs due to the invasion of streptococci into the skin.
Ecthyma vulgaris is a streptococcal infection of the deep layers of the skin. Blisters with pus and deep ulcers form on the surface of the skin.
Folliculitis is a pustular inflammation of the hair follicles caused by fungal or bacterial invasion. Whitish-yellow ulcers appear in the hair growth area. The release of exudate when the abscess membrane ruptures leads to the appearance of an ulcer.
Intertrigo is a lesion of skin folds, characterized by swelling, redness and tissue deformation. Also, blisters filled with pus appear on the surface of the skin.
Carbuncle is an infectious lesion of the skin. A carbuncle is a purulent-necrotic ulcer that quickly spreads in the peripheral direction. The inflammatory process reaches the subcutaneous fatty tissue.
Furunculosis is a purulent lesion of several hair follicles at once. This form of pyoderma can occur against the background of chronic infection.
Sycosis is a staphylococcal lesion of the scalp due to bacterial invasion of the hair follicles. Often, multiple ulcers appear in the area of beard growth in adult men.
Gangrenous pyoderma is the appearance of a deep purulent-necrotic ulcer reaching the subcutaneous tissue. Large ulcers can reach 20 cm in diameter. Hemorrhages may form in the area of skin damage. This pathology is usually not associated with infection.

Only an experienced dermatologist can determine the type of disease by external signs. Some pathologies manifest themselves simultaneously in several forms of skin lesions.

Acne treatment

Treatment of mild acne involves the use of external agents: lotions, special gels, etc. Some of them contain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and substances that improve the outflow of secretions from the sebaceous glands (for example, zinc).

For moderate and severe cases, complex therapy is prescribed. An acne treatment plan is drawn up by a dermatologist taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the severity of the disease, and the recommendations of related specialists.

Thanks to the availability of modern high-quality diagnostic equipment and a staff of experienced dermatologists, the multidisciplinary CELT clinic provides accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for all types of acne.

Make an appointment through the application or by calling +7 +7 We work every day:

Monday—Friday: 8.00—20.00
Saturday: 8.00–18.00
Sunday is a day off

The nearest metro and MCC stations to the clinic:

Highway of Enthusiasts or Perovo
Partisan
Enthusiast Highway

Driving directions

Causes

Neutral, opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms are constantly present on human skin. These are fungi and bacteria that do not penetrate deep tissues and do not provoke the development of infection. The constancy of the microflora of the skin and the inhibition of the vital activity of microorganisms allows maintaining the integrity of tissues. Weakening of the body's defense systems can provoke the proliferation of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms with damage to various layers of the skin. In some cases, ulcers are not associated with infection.

The main mechanism of pyoderma formation is due to the infectious process. Pathogenic bacteria begin to actively multiply and produce toxins that damage the skin. The immune system immediately begins to fight the infection by activating inflammatory processes and protective cells. The release of inflammatory mediators leads to even greater damage to the skin. Destroyed cells and dead microorganisms form purulent exudate that accumulates in various cavities.

Possible causes of the disease:

Damage to integumentary tissues due to cuts, combing, as well as chemical and thermal exposure. Violation of the integrity of the epidermis causes the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into less protected areas of the skin. In addition, cuts and burns themselves cause an inflammatory response.
Disruption of the body's defense systems. In some cases, immune cells begin to attack healthy tissue. The most severe form of autoimmune damage to integumentary tissues is pyoderma gangrenosum. In addition, allergic and autoimmune processes increase the risk of tissue infection.
Penetration of parasites into the skin. This is a rare variant of the etiology of the disease. Parasitic invasion can also lead to a purulent-inflammatory process.

Clarifying the cause of the disease is necessary to select a treatment method and prevent relapses.

Risk factors

The etiology of pyoderma is not limited to the mechanisms of formation of the purulent-inflammatory process. Dermatologists know the forms of predisposition to this disease associated with lifestyle, heredity and the patient’s individual history.

Known risk factors:

Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. Constant skin contamination increases the risk of infection.
Overheating or hypothermia of integumentary tissues. Temperature changes disrupt the functions of local immunity. Often, after hypothermia, the skin becomes a gateway to infection.
Age. In newborns and the elderly, pyoderma most often occurs due to insufficient effectiveness of local immunity.
The presence of a large number of allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases (especially in children.)
Pathologies of the endocrine system. The condition of the skin largely depends on hormonal influences.
Metabolic diseases: diabetes and obesity.
Congenital and acquired immunodeficiency conditions.
Poor nutrition leading to a deficiency of certain vitamins and microelements in the body.
Unfavorable family heredity. Skin diseases may be associated with the transmission of genetic mutations.

The causative agents of pyoderma dermatitis are found in the environment and on the surface of the integumentary tissue. These are staphylococci, streptococci and some pathogenic fungi. People often become infected with pyogenic bacteria in a hospital setting.

Symptoms

The external manifestations of pyoderma depend on the depth of damage to the skin, the causative agent of the infection and other factors. Many dermatitis manifests itself in several types of skin formations at once. Additional symptoms may be due to the underlying cause of the pathology and the effect of bacterial toxins on the body.

Symptoms of body intoxication:

dizziness and weakness;
nausea and vomiting;
sleep disturbance;
increased body temperature;
decreased appetite;
headache;
chills.

If the symptoms listed above appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. The infection that causes pyoderma can spread through the blood and damage internal organs. Self-removal of skin lesions increases the risk of sepsis.

Symptoms of the disease

Most often, acne affects the skin of the face, since this area contains the most sebaceous glands. Acne can occur in the following forms:

Open comedones (“blackheads”). It occurs as a result of expansion of the sebaceous duct and disruption of keratinization of its walls.
Closed comedones (“whiteheads”) are formed as a result of blockage of the sebaceous gland. At the same time, the whitish contents of the cavity are visible under the skin. In closed comedones, favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of propionobacteria - these microorganisms love an oxygen-free environment.
Painful lump.
Pustule. It is the result of infection of a closed comedon.

Other types of acne:

Globular acne. They are compactions under the skin of quite large sizes. They can merge with each other, resulting in formations of quite large sizes. Complications in the form of suppuration are common. This type of acne is a serious disease. They often leave disfiguring scars on the skin.
Lightning acne. A serious disease that most often affects young men. A large number of pustules and ulcerations appear on the skin of the body (but not the face). Body temperature rises to 38?C. There is a general deterioration in health and loss of appetite.
Inverse acne forms in the armpits and groins, where there is friction between the skin and clothing. Lumpy elevations appear, which then open with the release of pus.

Diagnostics

To undergo the examination, you must make an appointment with a dermatologist. The doctor will ask the patient about complaints and study medical history to identify risk factors for the disease. The next stage of diagnosis is an initial examination of damaged skin. The dermatologist evaluates the shape and size of the ulcers, and also determines the depth of tissue damage. To clarify the cause of pyoderma and the severity of the patient’s condition, instrumental and laboratory examinations are prescribed.

Additional diagnostic methods:

Dermatoscopy is a method of visual examination of areas of tissue damage. To determine the type of disease, the doctor uses an optical or digital device that allows you to repeatedly enlarge the image (photo). Dermatoscopy is used to search for specific signs of different types of pyoderma and differential diagnosis.
Microbiological examination of the contents of blisters, boils and other pathological structures. The doctor carefully punctures the membrane of the bladder and collects the exudate in a sterile container. In the laboratory, specialists inoculate the material on various nutrient media to identify the causative agent of the disease. After specifying the type of causative agent of dermatitis, specialists conduct a test for the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics. Bacterial culture is the most reliable way to diagnose the infectious form of the disease.
Blood analysis. In the treatment room, a nurse collects venous blood and sends the material to the laboratory. First of all, specialists evaluate the ratio and quantity of blood cells. An immunological test can detect signs of an autoimmune disease. Also, if necessary, serological diagnostics are carried out: specialists look in the blood for specific antibodies produced by the body in response to infection. It is often necessary to exclude a sexually transmitted infection.

In case of nonspecific symptoms, the doctor must exclude the presence of other diseases with similar symptoms. For this purpose, differential diagnosis of toxicerma, epidermolysis bullosa, pemphigus vegetans and fungal skin lesions is carried out. The presence of HIV infection is excluded. If necessary, a consultation with an immunologist, allergist, rheumatologist and infectious disease specialist is scheduled.

Causes of acne

Many factors are involved in the appearance of acne:

Action of sex hormones. There are two reasons: either the hormone is produced in the body in large quantities, or the sebaceous glands of the skin are hypersensitive to it.
Infection of the skin with microorganisms: corynobacteria, staphylococci, propionobacteria. And the main role belongs not to the very fact of the presence of pathogens, but to the characteristics of the skin.
Weakening of the immune system. This can happen as a result of severe and chronic infections, frequent stress, overwork, lack of vitamins, etc.
Features of the skin, its condition.
Taking certain medications and using low-quality cosmetics.

At CELT you can consult a dermatologist.

Initial consultation – 3,500
Repeated consultation – 2,300

Make an appointment

Treatment

The method of treatment depends on the depth of damage to the integumentary tissue, the identified cause of pyoderma, the extent of the process and the complications that arise. Most often, local treatment is sufficient. The doctor opens the ulcers, removes the exudate and treats the affected skin with antiseptic solutions. If necessary, topical antibiotics are used. A serious condition, accompanied by intoxication of the body and damage to internal organs, requires hospitalization.

Additional treatments:

Prescribing antibiotics in the form of tablets, intramuscular or intravenous injections. Typically, such treatment is necessary for systemic infection. Before receiving the results of a drug sensitivity test, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.
Use of corticosteroids in the form of topicals or tablets. These medications are necessary to suppress the autoimmune process and relieve inflammation. If necessary, immunomodulators and cytostatic medications are prescribed.
Physiotherapy. The effect of ultra-high frequency electric current on the skin improves the condition of the tissues.
Prescribing additional medications, such as antihistamines and painkillers.

During treatment, your doctor may prescribe a special diet and vitamin supplements. When prescribing a course of antibiotics, the specialist constantly monitors the patient’s condition.

Treatment of pustules on the face

There are systemic and topical medications designed to combat ulcers on the face; treatment should be selected by a dermatologist. When making a diagnosis and prescribing therapy, the doctor relies on the clinical picture. As a rule, when pustules appear, combination treatment including systemic antibacterial drugs is required.

For mild to moderate acne, a dermatologist may prescribe medications with azelaic acid, for example, Azelik®5,9 gel. It normalizes keratinization processes, reduces the level of free fatty acids, and exhibits antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis5. Azelik® gel reduces the metabolism of neutrophils and their synthesis of free radical forms of oxygen5.

*acne