Skin conditions

Acne is a common skin condition that usually initiates at puberty or adolescence. Hormonal changes cause increased secretion of the sebaceous glands. This, together with the dead skin cells and bacteria present on the skin, causes the appearance of pimples or blackheads. There are several dermatological treatments for acne, which we will see below.

It can present in the form of blackheads, pimples, zits, or even more severe forms such as inflamed nodules or pseudocysts. The latter can even leave significant scars. It most commonly affects the face, but can also occur on the neck, chest, and back. 

Acne is a very characteristic skin condition, so the diagnosis is made by simple observation without the need for additional tests. 

There are simple recommendations that can help control acne or prevent it from worsening. Some of these recommendations are: wash your face morning and night, do not use greasy lotions, and do not squeeze pimples to avoid scarring. There is controversy as to whether or not food has an influence, but it is recommended to eat a balanced diet and avoid foods with a high glycemic index. 

There are different products and medications that vary according to the degree of severity. 

Cleansing soaps, topical antibiotics, retinoids, oral antibiotics, and isotretinoin are for more severe cases. 

There are some dermatological treatments for acne that can be used together to improve acne and scarring, such as peelings, microneedling, IPL, and fractional CO2 laser. 

Conoce los tratamientos especializados para el acné

Rosacea is a relatively common skin condition that most often affects women. The exact cause is not known, but hereditary and environmental factors are involved. Some examples are sun exposure, consumption of hot, spicy, or seasoned foods, smoking, and alcoholic beverages. All of these cause dilations of the blood vessels and this makes the redness worse.

Rosacea causes redness, red pimples, and visible blood vessels on the face, usually on the nose and cheeks. Chronically, it can cause thickening of the skin on the nose or chin. It can even sometimes affect the eyes with irritation and redness that should be treated by an ophthalmologist. 

The clinical manifestations are characteristic, so no additional studies are usually required. 

Prevention is aimed at avoiding triggers such as sun exposure, consumption of spicy foods, smoking, and alcoholic beverages. This is because they cause dilation of the blood vessels and thus worsen the redness. 

There are several medications that help reduce redness such as brimonidine or oxymetazoline. Azelaic acid, metronidazole, or ivermectin WHICH CAN control the appearance of pimples. Some other therapies such as lasers are used to eliminate redness and visible blood vessels. 

Learn about specialized treatments for rosacea