Acne: treatment of acne and post-acne in Tashkent

Other names: Угри, угревая болезнь, прыщи, постакне, комедоны

Acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, the most common reason for visiting a dermatologist in adolescents and young adults. Contrary to popular belief, acne does not arise from “dirty skin” or directly from sweets: it is based on excess sebum production, blockage of the duct, proliferation of the bacteria C. acnes and inflammation. Understanding this changes the tactics: aggressive washing and squeezing do not help, but correctly selected therapy eliminates rashes in almost everyone.

🧾 МКБ-10: L70 🏥 Where it is treated: 6 Not from dirty skinDo not squeezeAlmost always treatable

👨‍⚕️ Which doctor

Dermatologist

🔬 Diagnostics

Inspection; hormones - according to indications

💊 Treatment

Topical retinoids, antibiotics, isotretinoin

📈 Prognosis

good

⚠️ At risk

Adolescence, hormones, heredity

⏱ When to see a doctor

Planned

🚨 See a doctor urgently

With these signs do not wait for a scheduled appointment — the condition requires emergency care.

Внезапное тяжёлое акне у взрослой женщины с нарушением цикла и избыточным ростом волос
Резкое появление множественных болезненных узлов с температурой
Формирование глубоких рубцов уже в начале болезни
Акне на фоне приёма анаболических стероидов
Отсутствие эффекта от правильного лечения в течение 3 месяцев
Выраженное влияние на настроение, избегание общения

How it develops

Under the influence of androgens, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum. The mouth of the follicle becomes clogged with horny scales, and a comedon is formed - a black or white dot. In a closed cavity, Cutibacterium acnes multiplies, inflammation develops, and the comedone turns into a papule, then into an abscess, and in case of deep damage - into a node.

Comedones - non-inflammatory elements, “black dots” and white tubercles
Papules are red, inflamed bumps
Pustules - pustules
Nodules and cysts are deep, painful formations that leave scars
Post-acne - spots and scars after elements have resolved

What really influences

Hormonal fluctuations: adolescence, second phase of the cycle, PCOS
Heredity - if your parents suffered from acne, the likelihood is higher
Cosmetics with comedogenic ingredients, thick foundation
Mechanical friction: masks, helmets, straps, habit of resting your face with your hand
Some drugs: anabolic steroids, lithium, glucocorticosteroids
Foods with a high glycemic index and, according to some data, skim milk - the effect is moderate and individual

Шоколад и жирная пища не являются доказанной причиной акне. Гораздо больший вклад вносят гормоны, генетика и неправильный уход. Диета может помочь, но не заменяет лечение.

Treatment by degree

Лёгкое (комедоны, единичные воспаления): наружные ретиноиды, бензоила пероксид, азелаиновая кислота.
Среднее (множественные папулы и пустулы): комбинация наружных препаратов, при необходимости антибиотик внутрь курсом до 3 месяцев обязательно вместе с бензоила пероксидом.
Тяжёлое (узлы, кисты, рубцы): изотретиноин внутрь — самый эффективный препарат, назначается и контролируется только врачом.
У женщин дополнительно могут применяться комбинированные оральные контрацептивы и антиандрогены по показаниям.

Important expectation: results will not be visible until after 6–8 weeks, and temporary deterioration may occur in the first 2–4 weeks. Quitting treatment at this stage is the most common mistake.

Proper care

Washing with a mild product twice a day - no more often: aggressive cleansing increases sebum production
No alcohol lotions or scrubs for inflamed skin
Non-comedogenic moisturizing - against the background of retinoids, the skin dries out, and without cream the treatment is poorly tolerated
Sun protection is mandatory: retinoids increase sensitivity to UV, and the sun worsens post-acne pigment spots
Do not squeeze: squeezing deepens inflammation and turns the spot into a scar
Change your pillowcase daily, clean your phone screen

Post-acne

Once the rash resolves, red or brown spots and scars often remain. The spots go away on their own within months; sun protection and azelaic acid help speed up the process. Scars require separate treatment.

Chemical peels for superficial changes
Fractional laser and microneedling for atrophic scars
Subcision for retracted scars
Injections for keloid scars
Scar correction begins only after complete control of active acne

Frequently asked questions: Acne (acne disease)

Is it true that sweets cause acne?+

Sweets are not the direct cause. Foods with a high glycemic index can worsen the condition in some people, but hormones, heredity and care play a major role. Diet does not replace treatment.

Is it possible to squeeze pimples?+

No. Squeezing pushes the contents deeper, increases inflammation and turns the temporary spot into a permanent scar. If necessary, mechanical cleaning is performed by a specialist.

Why did it get worse at the beginning of treatment?+

This is an expected reaction to retinoids in the first 2-4 weeks: the drug brings already formed blockages to the surface. The result is assessed no earlier than 6–8 weeks.

Is isotretinoin dangerous?+

This is the most effective drug for severe acne, but it requires strict medical supervision, regular tests and the absolute exclusion of pregnancy during use and for some time after. Prescribed only by a doctor.

Do I need to wash my face more often if my skin is oily?+

No. Washing more than twice a day and aggressive products break the barrier and increase sebum production. Gentle cleansing twice a day and non-comedogenic moisturizing work best.

The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor consultation. Only a qualified specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment after an in-person examination.