Everything You Need to Know About Acne In Ghana

Acne can affect your self-confidence, and even cause pain.  At first glance, we all know what it looks like. But what exactly is acne, and why does it seem to stick around for so long, especially when you’re doing everything possible to get rid of it? In this post, we’ll dive deep into what acne is, the different types of acne (including the dreaded cystic acne and blackheads), its causes, and some possible treatments if you are suffering from it, or looking to help someone close to you. 

What Is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. This leads to a variety of skin issues, including pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and even deeper, more painful forms of acne like cystic acne. While acne is common among teenagers, many adults continue to struggle with it well into their 30s and 40s. Teenage acne is more common in males, but common to continue into adulthood amongst females.

Common Types of Acne

Before we discuss treatments, it's important to understand the types of acne you might be dealing with. Different types of acne require different approaches, so getting it right can make a huge difference in your skin treatment or recovery. 

1. Blackheads: These are small, dark lesions that appear on the skin, usually on the face, back, and chest. Blackheads occur when a pore gets clogged with oil and dead skin but remains open, causing the top to turn black due to oxidation.

2. Whiteheads: Similar to blackheads, whiteheads are also caused by clogged pores. However, in this case, the pore remains closed, trapping the oil and dead skin inside and resulting in a small, raised bump.

3. Papules: These are small, red, inflamed bumps caused when hair follicles become inflamed or infected. They don’t contain pus and can be quite sensitive to touch.

4. Pustules: These are like papules but contain pus, giving them a white or yellow tip. They are usually surrounded by red, irritated skin.

5. Cystic Acne: One of the most severe forms of acne, cystic acne appears as large, painful, red bumps under the skin. These cysts are filled with pus and can cause long-lasting scars if not treated properly. This form of acne often requires stronger treatments or prescription medication.

What Causes Acne?

Many factors contribute to acne, including:

• Hormonal changes: Hormones play a huge role, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or even menopause.

• Excess oil production: When your skin produces too much oil (or sebum), it can clog pores.

• Diet: Some studies suggest that certain foods, like dairy or high-sugar items, may contribute to acne outbreaks.

• Stress: High stress levels can worsen acne by triggering more oil production.

• Bacteria: Certain bacteria can get trapped inside your pores and cause infections, leading to acne.

1. Lifestyle Changes To Avoid or Minimize Acne 

Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in reducing acne. Here are some tips that can help:

• Clean the affected area regularly with a mild but effective soap: Washing your face (since the face is the most common area for acne formation) twice a day with a mild cleanser can help keep your pores clean and reduce oil buildup.

• Watch your diet: Try to limit sugary, dairy, and processed foods, as they can trigger breakouts. Instead, focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Reduce stress: Practice stress management techniques like, sleeping adequately,  meditation, exercise, or even journaling to keep stress levels low.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to flush toxins out of your system and keeps your skin hydrated, reducing the likelihood of acne.

Effective Treatments for Acne

Now that you know the types of acne and the factors that can cause it, let’s talk about how to treat it. Luckily, there are a variety of options, including topical treatments, over-the-counter products, and prescription medications.

However, the best thing to do is to consult a professional to help you understand the type of acne you have, and make the appropriate recommendation for that. As we discussed earlier, there are different types of acne, hence the need for personalized treatment. Also, without a fair knowledge of the severity of your condition, you may cause more harm than good when you try to solve the problem on your own. 

Dealing with Acne Scars

As if having the acne wasn't enough damage, one may suffer from acne scars, which are pigmented areas at the acne spots, once the acne tries to clear up. In Ghana, we especially have so many “local remedies and misconceptions in treating acne scars or pigmentation. If you have fallen victim to some of these suggestions, you will agree and vouch for it that they mostly do not work, and if they work do not last for an extended period before darkening up again. To avoid all this back and forth, consult a medical professional, and get the right treatment once and for all. 

How Can Berry Health Help?

Now, here is the good news. We know one major reason why you are trying all these “DIYs” is to save some time and some time when you visit a hospital. The good news is that you do not have to make a trip to your nearest or regional hospital to see a qualified doctor for acne treatment in Ghana anymore. Without compromising quality, you can save more time by consulting a medical doctor online via Berry Health. Simple book and schedule a virtual consultation, they will provide you with a thorough assessment and make some recommendations for your acne treatment. It's that easy. 

Final Thoughts

Acne is common, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Whether you’re dealing with blackheads, cystic acne, or any other type, the key is understanding your skin and choosing the right treatment. By checking your lifestyle, you can improve your skin, your confidence, and your overall health and wellbeing.