Can Your Acne Be a Sign Of Underlying Health Condition

Editors note: Savingadvice.com generally covers personal finance related topics.  However, due to reader demand, we are writing on this topic here. 

Acne is a pimple outbreak on your skin that is caused by oil glands plugging hair follicle openings. When the openings are large, blackheads in small, flat spots with dark centers appear. If the openings are small, tiny whiteheads form in a flesh-colored bumps state.

Acne may be a sign of different underlying health conditions. If you’re having a problem with this, it’s essential to consult a doctor as you treat acne. A doctor may pinpoint its root cause and provide the proper intervention. This is especially important as optimum health is generally beneficial for your wallet.

Let’s take a look at some of the possible health conditions that may be indicated by acne.

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances occur when the body produces excess or insufficient testosterone or estrogen. The increase or decrease in hormone production prompts the body to produce more oil than it does when a person’s hormones are balanced. The result of excess oil is the possible clogging of pores, which result in blackheads or whiteheads.

It’s essential to try medication that clears the skin while attending to hormonal imbalance treatment if diagnosed. You can save on acne meds if you research platforms that supply products that may help with the skin condition. You may need to pay for treatment regarding the root cause of the problem, meaning you need to be financially savvy.

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2. Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infection may be the reason why one experiences acne. In this instance, bacteria were grown in clogged follicles. The clogged state means that the follicle wall can break down due to the build-up pressure. The result of this is inflammation and pain from the acne breakout. If a bacterial infection is the cause of acne, you will need to get antibiotic treatment. Taking the antibiotic together with an acne medication may be the solution to clearing your skin.

3. Stress

Chronic stress is a health condition that can cause acne. The body contains cells that are receptors for the stress hormone. Constant pressure makes the oil mix with dead skin cells and the bacteria to clog hair follicles. While acne is treated by various recommended medications, chronic stress needs to be attended to. Some ways of handling stress are seeking professional mental services, taking a break, journaling, and breathing work, among others.

4. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by the excessive growth of the ovarian cyst, which can become quite large and painful over time. PCOS has many underlying risk factors: infertility, hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, obesity or being overweight, diabetes, and family history.

The symptoms of PCOS include excessive hair growth on the face and scalp, irregular menstrual periods, tenderness of the breasts, irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol, diabetes, and acne.

A thorough physical exam and pelvic examination are required to assess the severity of the condition. Blood tests are also necessary to measure serum hormone levels and liver enzymes. A thorough abdominal examination will also help in determining the diagnosis. As these processes are done, you can consult your doctor on whether you can use acne medication to help with clearing your skin as you treat the root cause.

Conclusion

Acne can be a sign of underlying health problems, which is why you should consult your doctor for the most appropriate treatment. Some of the health problems that can be flagged by acne include hormonal imbalance, bacterial infection, stress, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Refrain from experimenting with skincare products or random meds to get over acne—it’s best to research and check with your dermatologist.

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