It is a very common skin problem experienced by almost everyone, especially in teenagers and adults. The appearance of acne on the skin is annoying and reduces self-confidence, especially if the acne is getting worse and inflamed.
Inflamed pimples can be unsightly and painful. Inflammatory acne usually occurs in the area under the blockage of blackheads.
What is inflammatory acne?
Inflammatory acne occurs when the area under the blackhead blockage becomes inflamed and reddened. Inflamed acne can also be caused by a bacterial infection below the skin’s surface. Inflammatory acne is worse type of acne in which pimples become red and swollen.
Although fat and dead skin cells play a role in causing inflammatory acne, bacteria can also block clogged pores. Bacteria can cause infections beneath the skin. This can lead to painful acne spots that are difficult to remove.
Characteristics of Inflamed Acne
Inflammatory acne is generally characterized by:
- Swollen pimples
- Redness
- Pain and soreness to the touch
- Clogged pores
Generally, inflamed acne occurs on the face but often occurs in other parts of the body, such as:
- Chest
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Upper arm
How to Overcome Inflammatory Acne?
Overcoming the problem of acne is not easy. It takes time and tests patience. In some people, acne that appears can heal by itself after a few days. Inflamed acne is a type of acne that can be cured. However, it takes longer, especially if the inflammation is severe. Inflamed acne can be treated using natural ingredients and medical treatment.
Using various types of acne medication and acne skincare is not effective enough to overcome acne problems if it is not supported by proper skincare. However, if the acne is already inflamed, the treatment of inflammatory acne can be done by giving retinoids and antibiotics.
Retinoid
Retinoids are drugs used to reduce inflammation of the skin. Generally, this drug is used to treat acne problems already inflamed. It works by replacing the dead cells with new skin cells. Retinoids are available in topical forms that can be adjusted with a doctor’s prescription.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic drugs play a role in killing bacteria in the body. Because bacterial infections cause most acne, antibiotics are considered effective for treating acne problems on the skin, especially those already inflamed. According to a prescription and doctor’s recommendation, antibiotic drugs used to treat acne are usually tablets or topically.
Alternative Treatment for Inflammatory Acne
In addition to using drugs, inflammatory acne can be overcome by using skincare products that contain several natural ingredients such as:
Salicylic Acid
Some free facial care products usually contain between 0.5–2% salicylic acid. This salicylic acid can help clean the skin’s pores from accumulating dead skin cells, oils, and bacteria.
This ingredient can also help reduce inflamed acne. However, its side effects can make the skin dry and irritated.
Tea tree oil
Get rid of inflamed acne you can do with natural ingredients, one of which is to use tea tree oil. The content in it can help in relieving inflammation in acne. In addition, tea tree oil can also reduce oil production and eliminate bacteria on the face.
Using tea tree oil has the same results as benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient also used in acne treatment creams sold freely.
Zinc (supplement)
Zinc can also help reduce the production of oil on the face. The zinc content in acne medicine can also protect the skin against inflammation and bacterial infections. In addition to creams or lotions, zinc is also available in supplements.
Here are some other ways to treat inflamed acne skin:
- Wash your face and acne areas in the morning and at night, or when you sweat a lot
- Use a gentle gel-based cleansing soap
- Take a shower immediately after exercising
- Use an oil-free facial moisturizer
- Use moisturizer and sunscreen every day, especially if you use treatment products that contain retinoids.
- Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup to prevent clogged pores.
Conclusion
Acne is a skin problem that can heal by itself, depending on the severity. In addition to disturbing the emergence of acne, it also reduces the sufferer’s self-confidence, especially if the acne is already inflamed.
Inflamed acne is characterized by pimples that are swollen, red, and painful to the touch. This condition is caused by many things, such as genetics or poor hygiene. With treatment as mentioned above, you can reduce the symptoms of inflammatory acne.