25th International Conference & Exhibition on Dermatology

Managing Itchy Acne

By Derma 2018

Causes | Treatment | Takeaway 

Acne is a skin condition that affects nearly everybody at one point or another. Most teens experience acne during puberty, and many people continue to struggle with acne throughout adulthood. It’s a common condition caused by inflammation of the skin glands and hair follicles.

The most typical contributors to acne are:

•   overproduction of sebum, an oily product of the sebaceous glands that is responsible for lubricating the skin and hair
•  skin pores clogged by dirt, dead skin cells, and other debris
•   bacterial infection of the sebaceous glands
•    stress

Acne can be itchy, painful, and irritating. We know what causes acne, but what makes it itch?

What causes itchy acne?

Acne can begin to itch for a few different reasons. The most common reason is due to the friction and dryness of skin cells that are the result of clogged and cramped pores. When skin becomes dry, its nature is to itch.

Other itchy triggers include:

• ·         allergies
• ·         skin reactions to chemicals like benzoyl peroxide
• ·         heat, which can intensify itching
• ·         sunlight/UV light
• ·         sweat

On a positive note, itchiness can be a sign indicating that the acne is getting better. When acne is healing, the red, pustular skin needs to be replaced with new, healthy skin. During this process, your body exfoliates, or sheds old layers of skin to uncover new layers of skin. The dry, flaky, and dead skin cells are part of the healing process, but they can also cause uncomfortable itching sensations.

How to control itchy acne?

There are many different approaches to treating itchy acne. Common treatments include:

• ·         washing pimples after they burst (using a mild soap fortified with a moisturizer)
• ·         keeping your hands clean and not touching the affected areas
• ·         avoiding overexposure to the sun
• ·         applying light moisturizers with aloe vera to control dryness, redness, and inflammation
• ·         applying calamine lotion
• ·         using antihistamines to control sebum secretion and prevent itching
• ·         taking antibiotics prescribed by a doctor

While there are many different treatments for itchy acne, the main points to keep in mind are keeping your skin moisturized, clean, and safe from abrasion.

Takeaway

Itchy acne is an uncomfortable and extremely common affliction. Clogged pores primarily cause acne. Itchiness is caused by dryness and irritation. While scratching may bring relief in the short term, it can make acne symptoms worse, so it’s important to resist the urge. Various at-home and over-the-counter treatments are available to manage itchy symptoms, but it’s important to speak to your doctor or dermatologist about the best approach for you.

With patience, acne and its associated itchiness can be overcome to reveal clearer, brighter, and healthier skin just below the surface.