According to studies, these nodules cause infection and inflammation.
They act as a repository for a bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), which becomes trapped under your skin.
How to Identify Nodular Acne?
Acne nodules have the appearance of a tiny lump underneath the skin.
It may have the colour of the skin, but it also has the potential to turn red if the area around it becomes more inflamed.
People with nodular acne feel pain when it is touched. Some points of identification of nodular acne are:
- Lesions on the skin’s surface are red and irritated.
- There is no head.
- Bumps on your face, neck, or back that are excruciatingly painful.
- Generally of a large size.
Nodular Acne Causes
Anyone can be infected with nodular acne. Going by the studies, some possible nodular acne causes can be:
1. Genetics
It would appear that there is a hereditary component in developing nodular acne.
If one of your parents or siblings has nodular acne, you have an increased risk of developing the condition.
However, even if there is no history of acne in your family, it is still possible to get this type of acne.
2. Age and Lifestyle
Nodular acne is more prevalent in adults between 12 and 30. A nodular acne is a form of acne that affects the face and body and can also appear on the jawline, chin, and neck. In most cases, this grows significantly worse immediately before a period.
3. Some Other Causes
- Clogging of sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands secrete oils (sebum) to keep the skin moist, and when the glands get clogged, it can lead to pimples and cysts.
- An overproduction of anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. These are microorganisms that cause acne. P. acnes releases lipase that produces fatty acids by digesting sebum, causing inflammation of the skin.
- Presence of excessive androgen. An increase in androgen hormones might result in a greater quantity of skin oil that is also thicker and become the cause of acne. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to generate more sebum or skin oil. This extra sebum plugs pores and provides food for bacteria that cause acne. Your skin then hosts the ideal environment for acne to flourish.
Nodular Acne Treatment
Nodular acne, if left untreated, might cause irreversible scarring. Early treatment after an injury might reduce scarring. Nodular acne is difficult to treat with most over-the-counter products. Discuss therapeutic choices with your primary care doctor. They may suggest the below-mentioned nodular acne treatment methods —
1. Topical Acne Medication
Prescription topicals are preferred for treating acne nodules. These are the first measures for treating nodular acne, especially if you only have one or two nodules. More than two nodules may require different treatments. Your doctor may recommend:
- Antibiotics assist in killing the germs that have become lodged in your pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide comes with a doctor’s prescription, as it is significantly more potent than the kinds sold in stores.
- Salicylic acid of a prescription strength to remove dead skin cells and oil that have become trapped in the nodule.
- Retinoids are highly effective vitamin A compounds to free hair follicles that have become blocked.
2. Oral Antibiotics
If you have broad nodular acne, you may have too many P. acne bacteria. Acne nodules may reappear after treatment or be widespread.
Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to remove excess bacteria. This prevents bacteria from getting under your pores and causing nodular acne. Antibiotics reduce the severe inflammation that commonly presents with cystic acne.
3. Different Pharmaceuticals
Oral antibiotics should only be taken for a short time, usually seven to ten days, to prevent bacterial resistance, but they can be taken for months if needed. Oral antibiotics can cause bacterial resistance.
Keeping this in mind, your doctor may consider trying different groups of continuous-use medicines. Birth control pills can help women regulate hormonal changes that cause acne.
Another option is isotretinoin (commonly known by the brand name Accutane, although that brand is no longer on the market). This vitamin A product is stronger than retinoids. It is a once-a-day therapy for all forms of acne, including nodules. The drug may not work for months.
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, your doctor may prescribe benzoyl peroxide. Isotretinoin (Accutane) and certain antibiotics are contraindicated during pregnancy.
4. Procedures in the Office
Office therapies (improving and potentially curing acne with SmoothBeam Laser, putting the acne in remission painlessly with Isolaz treatments, and treating acne scarring with Fraxel Laser, VBeam Laser and Bellafill) may be beneficial when combined with prescription drugs.
These approaches can minimise bacteria, inflammation, and scarring. Treatment for acne involves
- Drainage and extraction
- Chemical peels
- Laser
- Blue light
- Medicine administered via injection