What is acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by inflammation of the pilosebaceous follicle.
In the case of acne, the sebaceous gland, located at the base of each hair, becomes blocked by sebum that is either secreted in excessive quantities or has become too thick because it has mixed with dead skin cells. The skin’s microflora will become unbalanced and the cells at the entrance to the pilosebaceous follicle will behave abnormally. Furthermore, the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), which is present at the base of the follicle, multiplies and secretes pro-inflammatory substances. The extent of sebum retention, inflammation or infection of the pilosebaceous follicle will determine the different types of acne lesions.
Various factors can contribute to the development of acne.
Genetics plays a part; indeed, there are forms of the condition that run in families, so if there is a family history of it, there is a greater risk of developing acne.
Stress also plays a role in the development of acne, as there are many nerve cells capable of producing a substance known as ‘P’ near the sebaceous glands. This substance P, which is released in response to stress, can stimulate sebum production.
Finally, hormonal status plays a role. Sex hormones, during puberty or at certain stages of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy in adult women, influence sebum secretion.
What are the symptoms of acne?
Acne is a highly visible condition, both when it first appears as blackheads or whiteheads, and afterwards, when it leaves scars that are more or less visible depending on where the acne occurred. Mainly on the nose, forehead, cheeks, upper back, shoulders and upper torso. Acne generally occurs in flare-ups, interspersed with periods of remission.
Two types of acne can be distinguished according to the absence or presence of inflammation around skin lesions, resulting in red, swollen lesions that are warmer than the surrounding skin:
- Retentional acne: with no signs of inflammation, the lesions observed are open comedones (’blackheads’) or closed comedones (’whiteheads’), which result from the build-up of excess sebum in the pilosebaceous follicles. An open comedone, which is susceptible to infection with C. acnes, can progress to the papule and then pustule stages if left untreated.
- Inflammatory acne: Lesions may be superficial (such as papules that may develop into pustules) or deep (such as nodules and cysts). Scars of varying permanence may develop if the nodules and cysts burst.
How can acne be treated?
Acne should ideally be treated on a case-by-case basis, as several factors need to be taken into account, such as the patient’s age, how long they have had the condition, the type and severity of the acne, its psychological impact, and any previous acne treatments.
Various treatments may then be offered:
- Topical: Involving a gel, cream or lotion with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, active ingredients known to be effective.
- Combined: Combining topical treatment with oral treatment, such as zinc and antibiotics.
- Hormonal: It mainly affects women and young girls. There are many factors to consider here, as taking the pill can also influence whether or not acne develops, and the side effects can be severe for the patient.
- Isotretinoin: Only if the acne is severe, and only under medical supervision, as long-term complications may arise with this treatment.
The more severe the acne, the more far-reaching the consequences of treatment will be; it is therefore essential to find the treatment best suited to the patient’s profile and to support them to ensure the treatment is effective.
URGO, a medical device with multiple mechanisms of action
URGO presents URGO Acnéum, a medical device designed to combat mild to moderate acne by moisturising the skin and reducing symptoms. It treats acne by combating the bacteria that cause it and helping to restore the skin’s natural pH balance.