DoN
12 Nov
12Nov

The Comprehensive Guide to Acne Management

No one wants to live with acne. Living with is not only hard but feels like a very personal experience. Acne causes pain, discomfort and erodes self-confidence. The good news is that nowadays, there’s a wide range of very effective treatments. Combined with some simple dietary choices, you’ll be amazed at how quickly things can improve. Let’s get started in finding the best treatment for you. 

What causes acne?

 Are you struggling with acne? Don’t suffer in silence – shop directly on Thexco Health Pharmacy Online for the best products for pimples and enjoy a free 3-hour delivery within Nairobi and environs

Acne vulgaris is a skin disease that causes spots or pimples to develop on the skin. The spots develop primarily on the face, neck, back and chest. The types of spots can include whitehead, blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled pustules and cysts. The sufferer will usually find these spots develop primarily on the face, neck, chest, and back. Acne occurs when the skin begins to produce too much sebum. Sebum is an oily substance produced naturally in the skin that stops it from drying out. When too much sebum is produced, the excess mixes with dead skin cells and forms a plug. This plug blocks the tiny hair follicles found on the skin. These plugged follicles can produce blackheads or whiteheads, depending on whether the follicle is open or closed. Open follicles will create blackheads, and closed follicles will produce whiteheads. If these plugged follicles mix with naturally present bacteria, the contaminated follicle can become infected. This will cause papules, pustules, nodules or cysts to form. Acne is usually triggered by changes in the body’s hormone levels. This is why acne is very prevalent amongst pubescent teenagers as the hormonal levels are in a constant state of flux. These hormonal fluctuations can result in the over-production of sebum, which is the main cause of acne. 

Other factors that can alter hormone levels and lead to acne include menstruation, pregnancy and periods of stress. It is also thought that acne runs in families, therefore if one or both of your parents suffered from acne then you are more likely to also experience it. 

However it’s important to note that Acne is not necessarily caused by having a poor diet, being dirty or having poor hygiene, or sexual activity. 

What are the symptoms of Acne?

The primary symptoms of acne are spots and oily skin. Acne, for almost everyone, will occur on the face and neck, with half of those cases presenting with acne on the back.

Types of acne spots

Blackheads: The black or sometimes yellowish appearance of blackheads isn’t due to dirt but rather a pigmentation produced by the blocked hair follicle. They will present as small bumps on the skin 

Whiteheads: Are very similar to blackheads, however, they are firmer and will not empty when squeezed 

Papules: These are red bumps that can feel sore or tender to touch 

Pustules: These are similar to papules. However, they will have a white centre due to a build-up of puss 

Nodules: These are large, hard and sometimes painful lumps that develop beneath the skin’s surface 

Cysts: These resemble boils and are large pus-filled protrusions. This is the most severe spot caused by cystic acne and carries the greatest risk of permanent scarring.

How Acne Is Diagnosed

Most cases of acne can be managed without the need to consult a doctor. As the symptoms of acne are generally easy to self-diagnose and are normally uncomplicated, treating acne yourself is a favorable option. It is important to remember that even milder cases of acne can lead to emotional distress. If you are experiencing emotional distress from your acne or you’re finding treatment ineffective, then it is recommended to consult a GP. Should your acne present with cysts and/or deep nodules, it is also advised to consult a doctor, as these types of spots can potentially lead to permanent scarring if not managed correctly. If you decide to see your doctor about acne, they will be able to perform a diagnosis through a simple visual examination. They will inspect the face, chest and back to identify the different types of spots present. From this examination, the doctor will be able to judge how severe your acne is. Identifying the severity of acne is important for determining the most appropriate treatment. 

The severity of acne can be classified as: 

Mild acne – mostly blackheads and whiteheads, perhaps with a few pustules and papules, 

Moderate acne - multiple pustules and papules, which will be confined mostly to the face. Moderate to severe acne – high numbers of pustules and papules affecting the face, back and chest. 

Severe acne – high numbers of pustules and nodules that are both large and painful. 

If you’re a woman and suddenly experience the development of acne as an adult, you should see your doctor. They may wish to perform an ultrasound or blood test, especially if other symptoms that suggest a hormonal imbalance are present. These symptoms may include irregular or lighter periods or an increase in the growth of body hair. All these symptoms could point towards polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common cause of hormonal imbalance in women.

What are the best Acne treatments available?

If your acne is moderate to severe or widespread, then it may be deemed necessary to treat using prescription acne treatments. Your GP will be able to advice accordingly after examination. 

You can Book a Consultation Here and or request a call back.

Mild acne can be successfully managed without a prescription using topical acne medications available from pharmacies. Click Here for a simple shopping experience on Thexco Health Pharmacy Online. Options will usually include the ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide works by helping to prevent dead skin cells from clogging up the hair follicles. It also eliminates the bacteria responsible for causing infection to these plugged follicles. Benzoyl peroxide is usually applied to the affected areas 20 minutes after washing with a mild soap or a gentle cleanser. Anyone who has ever had acne dreads breakouts, and for good reason, too, because sometimes it takes weeks to clear up, not to mention the risk of scarring. Even if you've found an effective treatment for your acne, it is still important to take measures to prevent recurrence - with a few simple precautions, you may be able to fend off breakouts. 

What can I do to prevent Acne?

Acne can be very hard to prevent. Some inducing factors, such as puberty, can’t be helped. However, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing acne and for improving your symptoms if it’s unavoidable. These include: 

  • Wash using a mild soap or cleanser.
  • Avoid using very hot or very cold water, as this can make acne worse.
  • Avoid scrubbing harshly or using abrasive washcloths, as this can irritate the skin. Use a very soft cloth, rinse well with warm water, and pat dry using a clean towel.
  • Don’t wash the affected area more than twice a day. Washing too frequently can irritate the skin and make the acne worse.
  • Avoid touching your face. This can spread bacteria from the hands to the face.
  • Avoid the temptation to pick at or squeeze your spots. This can lead to permanent scarring.
  • Ensure hair is regularly washed and try not to let it fall across the face.
  • Avoid using oils, fragrances, gels or pomades on your hair. If any of these products get onto your face, they can block pores and cause acne.
  • Avoid using excessive amounts of cosmetics and makeup. Try to only use products labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’. Non-comedogenic products are water-based and are less likely to clog up the pores on your skin.
  • Always remove makeup before going to bed.
  • If your skin is dry and flaky, try using a fragrance-free water-based emollient.

Other important details on how to prevent acne: 

Keep your hands off the face - Our hands may look very clean, but they carry all kinds of germs. They are constantly gathering dust and grime as we touch different surfaces, including our hair. They secrete quite a bit of sweat, too. Touching a clean mirror with your fingers should demonstrate it all too well. Unconsciously rubbing or scratching the skin may cause abrasions or even break a zit, which in turn will set off a reaction that may culminate in a full-blown breakout. Avoid touching the face except to gently wash it occasionally.

Wash your face frequently - Keeping the skin free of germs and dirt will reduce the chances of acne breakouts. You don’t have to use soap or other cleansing products every time. Deep cleaning once a day may be beneficial, but always apply a neutral moisturizer afterwards, as dry skin triggers excessive production of skin oils. 

Follow a healthy diet - We are what we eat. Greasy and spicy food is thought to promote breakouts. Food allergies, however mild they may be, are also potential triggers. Dairy products, nuts, chocolate and soda are some of the common allergenic foods. So are alcohol and certain additives in fast foods. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will ensure healthy skin. 

Stay hydrated - Drinking plenty of fluids is thought to reduce the risk of acne considerably. Besides flushing out toxins from the body, water can keep the skin moisturized from the inside.

Keep a tab on the products you use - Reduce your exposure to potential allergens by choosing everyday cleaning products like soaps, shampoos and detergents carefully. Note adverse reactions whenever you try a new product and check out the ingredients. Avoid other products that contain them. 

Cut down on cosmetics use - These well-known culprits can trigger acne in several ways. They clog up the skin pores and literally suffocate the skin, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Cosmetic products typically contain a number of chemicals, any of which can cause an allergic reaction. The very act of applying makeup can irritate sensitive skin. If you find it hard to completely abstain from cosmetics, stick to specific products that you have personally found to be the least offensive. Leave the make-up on for the minimum amount of time. Never go to sleep with it. Avoid vigorous rubbing while applying and removing makeup. 

Avoid stress - Most people experience breakouts during periods of stress. The hormonal changes could be the reason. Stress is part of life, but it is essential to keep the mind and body healthy through regular exercise and relaxation techniques. Get good sleep, too. 

Sleep in clean beds - Since we spend one-third of our day in bed, sweat, dead skin cells, and dandruff accumulate in our bedding. They can irritate the skin and cause acne. Change pillowcases and bed covers every week. 


Again, don’t suffer in silence, acne is easily manageable  – Book a Consultation and or shop directly on Thexco Health Pharmacy Online for the best products for pimples and enjoy a free 3-hour delivery within Nairobi and environs. Delivery is also done countrywide. 

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