PCOS and Acne: How to deal with acne problem in PCOS
How to deal with acne problems in PCOS?
People usually consider the acne as a common problem in adolescents and it has no risk involved. But it is not true, treating acne problem should be taken seriously as when the acne reduces it leaves black, brown marks and blemished skin. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms have an acne problem as a common manifestation. Acne problem is not as closely associated with polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms as hirsutism is. But the acne problem in polycystic ovary syndrome symptom is known as hormonal acne and it is slightly different from how common pimples or acne vulgaris manifest.
In a woman with PCOS hormonal changes occur because the ovaries of a woman with PCOS have swelling as the process of ovulation is improper in the ovaries. Because of this, the hormones oscillate more than usual. 55% of women who have acne problems that are commonly known as pimples have PCOS. And this ratio is increasing day by day because of the poor lifestyle.
The hormonal acne has its specific distribution which means if there are nodules or red big bumps on the jawline of the face or it is visible on the chest than that is more likely to be the hormonal acne or acne vulgaris. This type of acne problem happens more in the older age group. It does not twitch during childhood or adolescent period, but it comes up at a later age. Maybe at the age of 22 to 25 and this type of acne problem is very resistant to treatment. Hormonal acne problem in PCOS does not respond to the standard medications that a dermatologist prescribes. So, when a gynecologist encounters a woman with harsh acne problems which have a specific distribution and are resistant to the standard treatment, it is because of a hormonal cause and most likely that cause could be polycystic ovary syndrome symptom. Treating acne problem which is resistant to the standard treatment which comprises of applying anti-acne creams, taking certain oral medications like antibiotics.
How to deal with acne problems in PCOS by regular skincare?
The young girls or women who are suffering from harsh acne problems are recommended to see a doctor and get the sonography done and get the hormones checked. It is never too late to get the complications diagnosed. A woman who has a harsh acne problem but does not have PCOS will take 5 to 6 months for the acne to clear. If a woman with PCOS has harsh acne problems, the acne will take 1 to 2 years to clear and also leaves acne scars, blemishes on the face. So, it is always recommended for a woman with an acute acne problem in PCOS to see a doctor for the right diagnosis of the acne problem. So, if you have active acne you should significantly see a doctor, but for regular skincare, you should wash your face 3 to 4 times a day, use a gentle face wash and an anti-acne cream which is best suitable for you skin type and does not leave dryness or itching.
What are the solutions to treat acne problems in a woman with PCOS?
Youthful and blemish-free skin hail the body to cure from inside by consumption of nutritious and healthy food every single day that is filled with proteins and vitamins. Therefore, the only solution for acne problems in PCOS is a disciplined lifestyle. Women with PCOS who has acne problem should peruse the following key points:
- Regular Exercise
- Eat healthily
- And, maintain your weight
If, you do not maintain your weight or you start having unhealthy food the revival chances of PCOS are 100% and it can aggravate the polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
A very important aspect of all manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms is lifestyle management. Primarily focusing on the diet as well as following a regular exercise format would help, aide and lessen the acne problem up to an extent.
The second most important solution in a regular skin care regimen, keeping the skin clean, applying the creams which are prescribed by the doctor and is best suitable for your skin type. As and when the harsh and the acute acne has settled, one needs to follow a proper treatment that is following a healthy lifestyle and a good skin care regimen. The other option that the doctors can offer their patients is the hormonal treatments by combined oral contraceptive medications.
These oral contraceptive medications are safe but are only for the right and selective patients who are under doctor’s observation. The results are visible after 5 to 6 months of intake, and follow-up with the doctors for these medications is very important.
The regular skincare regimen for a woman with PCOS acne or an adolescent as well as an adult woman who is suffering from acute acne problems in PCOS is extremely important. The regular skincare involves the following steps:
- Use of the correct face-wash
- Use of moisturizer which is especially for acne
- Regular use of sunscreens
- The patient mustn’t pick the acne because when the acne is picked there is the tendency of formation of acne scars and blemishes as well as pigmentation or marks on the skin
- Also using the creams that are recommended by the doctor twice or thrice a day
- Certain specific skin treatments are recommended by the doctors for acute acne problems in PCOS, for example, Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a trouble-free, noninvasive, skin-rejuvenation process using a blend of a fine rough tip or crystals and vacuum pressure applied to the skin. If a woman with PCOS and acute acne problem in PCOS get this treatment done every 15 days or once in 3 weeks, it helps the skin to shed or exfoliate. As the skin has a normal cycle of 28 days and the procedure of exfoliation would help assist natural exfoliation.
- Chemical peel treatment is also suggested by doctors and the peel which is mostly done for acne problems is salicylic peel. If it is done regularly, it helps to cure the acne problem in PCOS at a faster rate as compared to the application of creams and other standard problems.
