Pimples are medically known as Acne vulgaris.

It is very common problem affecting skin…onset of pimples is generally at age 12-14 years. Although basic cause of acne is unknown several pathogenic mechanism are responsible for example increase sebum secretion,some bacteria like propionibacterium…

Pimples generally composed of black head (open comedones) and white heads(closed comedones), sometimes pustules (filled with pus) and cyst may be present in same patient

at same time

Age of onset of acne is 12-14 years,being earlier in female….but in 70percent patient lesions subside in third decade of life…in 70 percent of female menstrual problem is related to acne

Factors modifying pimples .

(1) acne often follow facial massage so it should be avoided

(2)acne are more common in women who use oil based cosmetics for long time so water based cosmetics should be used.

Location: acne commonly involove face,shoulder, upper chest and back

When hair pattern on the face like men (hirsutism), irregular period and weight gain is present in women along with acne then they should be investigated for polycystic ovary syndrome (an harmony secreting diseases in women

.

‘

DRUGS ASSOCIATED WITH ACNE

Steroids,anabolic steroid, antitubercular drug,anticonvulsant drug….so if you are using such drugs it may be the cause of your pimples

Sometime pimples may be present in baby at birth and may last upto three years….these are because of mother hormone in child

SOMETIME ACNE MAY START APPEARING AFTER 25 YEARS OF AGE MOSTLY IN WOMEN KNOW AS LATE ONSET ACNE.THEY ARE MORE RESISTANT TO TREATMENT.

Treatment of pimples :

Factor which may cause acne should be eliminated like drugs, facial massage

In female with late onset acne with underlying hormone disturbance ANTIANDROGENS are frequently used

Regular cleansing of face with mild soap and water should be encouraged

Oil based cosmetics should be avoided

Stress should be managed properly…

MEDICAL THERAPY :

(1)RETINOIDS.

Retinoic acid available as 0.025%,0.05%,0.1%

Always starts with lowest concentration

They should be used only at night because can cause photosensitivity but ADAPALENE [also a retinods ] can be used during day

Retinoic acid should not be combined with benzyl peroxide because it get inactivated

(2)BENZYL PEROXIDE available as 2.5%,4%,5%and 10%…. Always start with lowest concentration

(3)ANTIBIOTICS. e.g. Clindamycin and erythromycin