Oily Skin and Acne
Oily skin or seborrhoea is seen approximately in 40-50% of individuals. As a result, they can end up with either low grade or severe or persistent acne.
What is an oily skin?
A skin type that appears greasy with a coarse texture and open pores and that which is prone to develop acne (pimples).
How does acne occur?
Acne occurs due to 1 or more of the following reasons:
1. Over-active Sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands of the body)
2. Increase in the bacterial count
3. Increase sensitivity to hormones
4. Inflammation
What are the types of acne?
Rather than typing it, acne can be differentiated into grades:
Grade 1 - Comedones (white heads/ black heads)
Grade 2 - Predominantly popular (elevated skin coloured to red lesions)
Grade 3 - Predominantly pustular (pus filled elevated lesions)
Grade 4 - Nodulo-cystic (painful swelling)
Why should acne be treated?
Treatment is essential to prevent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and the scarring that can occur as a sequelae.
How can the acne be treated?
Any type of acne requires a proper evaluation to look for contributing or inciting factors (eg: PCOS).
Once the evaluation and necessary blood work-up is done, treatment can be planned accordingly.