Papular acne – what is it? How to treat it?

One of the varieties of acne vulgaris, which is sometimes frequently diagnosed in adults, is specifically papular acne. What are its symptoms? What causes the formation of papules on the skin and how to treat this type of acne?

Papular acne – characteristics

Acne is sometimes associated primarily with its juvenile variety, which most often affects teenagers and manifests itself in the appearance of blackheads. However, there are many other types of acne vulgaris, and papular acne is one of them. This is a bothersome and difficult-to-treat variety of acne that is sometimes frequently diagnosed in adults.

How does papular acne manifest itself?

As the name suggests, the characteristic symptom of papular acne are papules – raised lesions on the skin that do not resemble ordinary pimples or blackheads. The papules are irregular, can be painful, quite hard and usually resolve without leaving a scar – unless, of course, they are scratched.

In addition to typical papular acne, papulopustular and papulopustular acne are also mentioned. The symptoms of these conditions are also characteristic. As for papulopustular acne, both papules and pustules can be observed on the skin. In the case of papulopustular acne, papules are accompanied by blackheads (which can be both open and closed blackheads).

What are the causes of papular acne?

Many different factors contribute to the occurrence of papular acne. In some people it has a hormonal basis, while in others it can result from skin care mistakes or negligence in skin hygiene.

What factors can trigger or exacerbate papular acne?

• Hormonal changes and disorders – papular acne often occurs in adults who have thyroid problems, as well as in pregnant or menopausal women.
• Excessive sebum production, seborrhea.
• Mistakes in skin care – for example, excessive dryness of oily skin.
• Insufficient skin hygiene – inaccurate makeup removal, too infrequent skin exfoliation.
• Unhealthy diet, stimulants – for example, excess fast-food meals, smoking, frequent drinking of alcohol.

There is a reason why pimple, papule or blackhead acne so often bothers people with oily and combination skin. Excess sebum combined with other factors (for example, dirt and poor diet) can cause skin lesions.

Papular acne – treatment

Before you reach for cosmetics, preparations and treatments for lumpy acne, get an official diagnosis. Make an appointment for a dermatology consultation. The doctor will look at your skin and, if necessary, order additional tests. Only on this basis will it be worth starting treatment.

Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of papular acne? The good news is that it is a dermatosis that can be cured. The key, however, is consistency and patience, as it is a long-term process, and you need to implement certain habits and rules permanently to avoid acne recurrence.

How can papular acne be treated?

• Cosmetically – with a lighter course of papular acne, it is possible to cure it with properly selected skin care. Thorough cleansing of the skin (regular exfoliation, careful makeup removal), as well as regulation of the sebaceous glands is crucial. Do not overlook the issue of moisturizing the skin – preferably with cosmetics with a light and non-greasy formula. In normalizing the skin with papular acne, specialized dermatological cosmetics, which can be purchased in pharmacies and good drugstores, work first of all.
• Pharmacologically – with advanced papular acne, topical medications may be necessary, as well as oral agents. Topical treatments include acids (for example, salicylic or azelaic acid), but also vitamin A derivatives and antibiotics (for example, clindamycin). Oral specifics are usually administered only when other treatments fail or are insufficient. These can include drugs with tetracycline or even retinoids.

Keep in mind that cosmetics and medications that fight acne lesions can sensitize the skin to external factors – especially UV radiation. To avoid hyperpigmentation from papular acne, follow your doctor’s advice, avoid UV exposure and use cosmetics with a protective sunscreen.

What treatments for papular acne?

The treatment of papular acne can be supported with cosmetic and aesthetic medicine procedures. However, it is advisable to precede their performance with a consultation with a practitioner to ensure that there are no contraindications to the chosen procedures. What treatments can be performed?

• Chemical peels – primarily with acids, which will have an exfoliating effect, but also normalize the sebaceous glands.
• Dedicated treatments for acne-prone skin – these are often multi-step procedures that involve a scrub and the application of a specialized mask (for example, with clay).
• Fractional laser treatment – effective in combating acne and in leveling possible scars and acne blemishes.

Are you bothered by papular acne? Don’t worry – there are many ways to treat this skin ailment. Start with a dermatological consultation!