During a broadcast on "Birinchi Radio," dermatologist Irina Martynenko from the Republican Center for Dermatovenereology shared information about the causes of acne, stages of the disease, and modern treatment methods.
According to the specialist, acne is a condition that continues to be in the spotlight among both professionals and the public. It is regularly discussed at conferences, seminars, and online.
Among dermatological diseases, acne ranks second in terms of frequency of visits. This issue can arise at any age, although it most commonly affects teenagers. However, adults are also not immune to acne, she added.
As Martynenko noted, among teenagers, acne is more common in boys — in 90-95% of cases, while in girls, this figure is 80-85%. With age, the situation changes, and women experience acne more frequently than men.
There are factors that are not the main causes of acne but can contribute to its appearance. These include stress, especially among young people and residents of large cities, as well as poor nutrition — excessive consumption of fast food, sugary and fatty foods, as well as alcohol and smoking.
Additionally, chronic diseases, including autoimmune ones, negatively affect the immune system, which can also contribute to the development of acne. Excessive sun exposure is another risk that should not be overlooked.
“We often perceive the sun and the sea as our friends, but we must remember moderation. Excessive sun exposure can negatively affect the condition of the skin, especially in our climate,” the doctor emphasized.
Speaking about the mechanisms behind the development of acne, Martynenko highlighted hyperandrogenism — an increase in androgen levels, such as testosterone, which can be observed in both men and women. This leads to excessive production of sebum.
Another mechanism is dyskeratosis, which disrupts the process of skin keratinization and leads to the blockage of the sebaceous gland ducts. This results in the accumulation of sebum and active reproduction of Propionibacterium acnes, causing inflammatory processes.
The immune status of the patient is also an important factor. With a good immune response, bacterial growth is suppressed, whereas with weakened immunity, inflammation manifests much more severely.
Martynenko identified three main stages of acne: mild, moderate, and severe. The mild form is characterized by isolated eruptions, the moderate form has a greater number of papulopustular elements, while the severe form is accompanied by serious inflammation with painful nodular elements.
The most common areas of acne localization are the T-zone of the face (forehead, nasolabial area, chin), as well as the upper back and chest.
The treatment strategy depends on the stage of acne. For mild and moderate forms, topical agents are used, including proper skin care and preventive medications, as well as the elimination of triggers. Topical medications may contain antibacterial components, acids, as well as drying agents and anti-inflammatory substances.
In severe forms of the disease, a systemic approach is required, including antibiotics and new retinoid group medications. These agents have a pronounced keratolytic effect but can cause side effects such as dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as cracks on the lips and tongue.
“Retinoids have many side effects. Before prescribing them, it is important to discuss all risks with the patient and conduct a complete laboratory analysis, as hormonal imbalances or liver function issues may arise,” Martynenko added.
She also noted that there is a trend toward frequent prescription of retinoids due to their rapid effect. However, abrupt cessation of treatment can lead to withdrawal syndrome and worsening of the condition. Therefore, it is important to carefully select the dosage and duration of therapy.
The specialist also emphasized that reproductive plans of female patients should be taken into account. After completing retinoid therapy, it is recommended to plan pregnancy no earlier than six months later to avoid teratogenic effects on the fetus. In the case of an unplanned pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.
