What is the difference between hormonal and bacterial acne, and what are their symptoms? They are both common and annoying skin conditions that negatively impact aesthetics. There are different types of acne, including those caused by bacterial changes and those caused by hormonal changes. We will learn about the difference between each and their effective treatment methods.
What is hormonal acne
Hormonal acne is a skin condition caused by increased oil production in the skin's sebaceous glands due to a hormonal imbalance. This leads to clogged pores and the appearance of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, particularly on the chin and jawline.
What is bacterial acne
Bacterial acne is a skin condition caused by the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria in clogged pores. It leads to inflammation and inflamed acne. This inflammation results in the appearance of red or pus-filled bumps.
Symptoms of Hormonal and Bacterial Acne
Signs of hormonal acne include:
- Nodules, which are painful lumps under the skin filled with oil or pus.
- Redness and swelling of the skin surrounding the pimples.
- Deep, painful pimples with closed heads.
- Blackheads and whiteheads.
Symptoms of bacterial acne include:
- Whiteheads and blackheads on the surface of the skin, which may progress to bacterial infections.
- Cystic lesions, which are large, pus-filled lumps that occur deep within the skin.
- Small, painful, red blisters, which are a sign of inflammation.
- Pus-filled, red, raised pimples.
- Nodules, which are hard, painful lumps that form under the skin.
Causes of Hormonal Acne
One of the main causes of hormonal acne is hormonal changes during certain periods, such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
The skin is also affected by increased sebum production, as hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which clogs pores. This can also lead to the growth of bacteria naturally present in the skin, leading to inflammation.
What are the causes of bacterial acne
A person develops bacterial acne as a result of:
- Clogged pores due to the accumulation of oil and dead skin cells.
- Bacterial growth, as Propionibacterium acnes bacteria multiplies excessively within these clogged pores.
- Inflammation, as bacteria cause inflammation of the skin, leading to the appearance of pimples and acne.
What is the difference between hormonal and bacterial acne
Hormonal acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance that increases sebum production in the skin, which clogs pores. Bacterial acne is caused by the overgrowth of bacteria within clogged pores.
Possibility of Hormonal and Bacterial Acne
Hormonal acne appears on the lower face, especially around the chin and cheeks. It sometimes appears on the neck, chest, and upper back. Bacterial acne often appears on the face, shoulders, neck, upper back, and chest.
Treatment of Hormonal Acne
The treating physician prescribes medications that restore hormonal balance, such as:
- Birth control pills, which contain estrogen or progesterone and regulate the levels of hormones that cause acne.
- Antibiotics, which the doctor prescribes in the form of topical creams or oral pills, fight the bacteria that cause acne.
- Antiandrogen medications, which work to reduce the production of male hormones that increase oil production.
- Isotretinoin, which is the most powerful treatment for severe acne that has not responded to other treatments, is based on vitamin A.
What is the best cream for treating hormonal acne
There is no single cream best for all cases of hormonal acne, as treatment depends on the type and extent of acne. Common topical treatments prescribed by doctors contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. Laser and blue light therapy can also be used to target acne-causing bacteria, or chemical peels can be used to remove dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria.
Other treatments for hormonal acne
Lifestyle changes are important to alleviate hormonal acne. This can be achieved by:
- A healthy diet, avoiding foods high in sugar, avoiding fried and fatty foods, and replacing them with whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Managing stress and reducing anxiety.
- Sleep is essential for the body to heal and prevent hormonal acne.
How to treat bacterial acne
The treating physician prescribes antibiotic creams to treat bacterial acne, which help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. They also prescribe salicylic acid to kill microorganisms and remove excess dead skin cells.
He prescribes products containing retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) because they help remove dead skin cells and prescribes birth control pills to reduce hormone levels that contribute to acne.
He also follows skin care tips by gently washing your skin daily, avoiding over-cleansing to prevent skin irritation, and avoiding products containing exfoliants, which can further irritate the skin.
Summary of the Difference Between Hormonal and Bacterial Acne
The main difference is that hormonal acne results from a hormonal imbalance that increases sebum (oil) in the skin and clogs pores. Hormonal acne is often associated with large, painful nodules under the skin.
While bacterial acne is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in clogged pores, hormonal acne is often associated with large nodules under the skin and results from a bacterial infection in clogged pores.