On the air of "Birinchi Radio," dermatologist Irina Martynenko from the Republican Center for Dermatovenereology shared information about the causes of acne, the stages of this condition, and modern treatment methods.
According to the specialist, acne remains a relevant topic both in professional circles and in society. Information about this condition is regularly discussed at seminars and conferences, as well as actively disseminated on the internet.
In dermatological practice, acne ranks second in frequency of visits. It can manifest at any age, but is most commonly observed in adolescents. However, adults also frequently encounter this problem, noted Martynenko.
The specialist added that among adolescents, acne is more common in boys — in 90-95% of cases, while in girls this figure is 80-85%. With age, the ratio changes: women experience acne more often than men.
There are many factors that, while not primary causes, contribute to the appearance of breakouts. These include stress, especially among young people and residents of large cities, as well as an unbalanced diet, frequent consumption of fast food, carbonated drinks, fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking.
Additionally, chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders, affect skin condition. A weakened immune system is also a risk factor, as is excessive sun exposure.
"The sun, sea, and water seem to be our friends, but everything should be in moderation. In our climate, excessive sun exposure can negatively affect the skin," emphasizes the dermatologist.
Speaking about the pathogenesis of acne, Martynenko noted that a key factor is hyperandrogenism — an elevated level of testosterone, which can be observed in both men and women, leading to an excess of sebum.
Another important mechanism is dyskeratosis, which disrupts the process of skin keratinization and contributes to the blockage of sebaceous gland ducts, leading to the accumulation of sebum and the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, which causes inflammation.
The immunological status of the patient also plays a significant role. With a good immune response, bacterial growth is suppressed, and inflammatory processes are milder. However, with a weakened immune system, inflammation can be more severe.
Irina Martynenko identified three stages of acne: mild, moderate, and severe. The mild form is characterized by isolated breakouts, the moderate form by a larger number of papulopustular elements and infiltration, and the severe form by pronounced inflammation with painful nodular elements of burgundy or pink color.
The most common areas for acne to appear are the T-zone of the face (forehead, nasolabial area, chin), as well as the upper part of the chest and back.
Treatment methods depend on the stage of the condition. For mild and moderate forms, topical therapy is usually used, which includes skin care, the use of therapeutic agents, and the elimination of triggering factors. Topical medications may contain antibacterial components, acids, and anti-inflammatory substances.
In cases of severe acne, systemic methods are employed, including antibiotics and new drugs from the retinoid group, which have a pronounced keratolytic effect but also have side effects, such as dry skin and cracks on the lips.
"Before prescribing retinoids, it is important to discuss all risks with the patient and conduct a complete laboratory analysis, as they can affect hormonal balance, thyroid function, and liver load," emphasized Martynenko.
The specialist noted that there is a trend towards frequent prescription of retinoids due to the rapid achievement of results. However, an unexpected discontinuation of therapy can lead to a worsening of the condition. Therefore, it is important to correctly select the dosage and duration of treatment.
It is also necessary to consider the reproductive plans of female patients: after completing a course of retinoids, it is recommended to plan pregnancy no earlier than six months later, and preferably later, to avoid the risk of teratogenic effects on the fetus. In the case of an unplanned pregnancy, a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.
