ACNE
Condition
The most common type of acne (acne vulgaris) is a skin disorder that causes plugged pores that may result in:
- blackheads and whiteheads (comedones)
- red pimples (papules)
- pimples with pus in them (pustules)
- solid lesions (nodules) or pus-filled lesions (cysts), painful lumps found deeper in the skin
While it is most common among adolescents and young adults, people of all ages can have acne. It usually affects the skin of the face, but outbreaks also can occur on the neck, chest, back and shoulders. Having acne can be very upsetting, especially to teenagers, and, if not treated, may leave scars that can be disfiguring.
Causes
Sebaceous glands in the hair follicles and the pores of the skin produce an oily substance called sebum, meant to keep the skin and hair moisturized. Around puberty, and sometimes earlier, the bodies of both boys and girls produce an increased amount of the hormone testosterone. This increase in testosterone causes sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. The pores can become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. This mixture of sebum and dead skin cells allows bacteria that normally live on the skin to grow in the plugged follicles, leading to inflammation and the bumps, lumps and pimples of acne.
Among the things that may trigger outbreaks or make acne worse are:
- hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and starting or stopping birth control pills
- certain medicines, including some that are used to treat epilepsy and depression
- oil from some moisturizers or cosmetics
- pressure on the skin from such things as sports helmets, backpacks or tight collars
- air pollution and high humidity
- scrubbing the skin hard or squeezing blemishes
- stress
Studies show that heredity plays a part as well. If your parents had acne, you may be more likely to develop it.
Myths About Acne
Although eating chocolate and greasy foods and drinking soda are often blamed for causing outbreaks, there is little evidence that foods influence the development of acne in most people. Nor does dirty skin cause acne. And despite a widely held belief to the contrary, exposure to the sun does not make acne better. In fact, in some people it stimulates the skin to produce more oil, which can make acne worse.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR ACNE
Call Your Doctor During Regular Office Hours If
- Home care isn't helping your acne.
- You need prescription medication or other treatments for your acne.
- You feel you need a referral to a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating skin disorders).
Among the medications your doctor may prescribe are creams, lotions, antibiotics, steroids and hormones. You may be referred to a dermatologist for more intensive treatment that could include light therapy, chemical peels or laser resurfacing for scars.
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR ACNE
- Wash your face and areas of acne two times a day with warm water and mild soap.
- If you have oily hair, keep it out of your face and shampoo it daily.
- Avoid getting sunburned.
- Wear as little makeup as possible and remove it at night with warm water and mild soap.
- If you do use cosmetics, get oil-free, water-based makeup and moisturizers.
- Products labeled noncomedogenic are formulated not to clog pores or make acne worse.
- There are over-the-counter creams and lotions with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them that may help your acne.
- Do not squeeze or pick at pimples. It can leave scars.
- If you have acne on your back, do not wear tight clothes or a backpack.
- If certain foods seem to trigger outbreaks, avoid them.
- If you do not see any improvement after two months, call your doctor or dermatologist for treatment.
For More Information Click on the Links Below
- American Academy of Dermatology What is acne?
- National Women's Information Center Acne
- Kids Health (Teenagers) Acne, Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin
- Kids Health (Teenagers) Skin Tips
References
- Fitzgerald's Dermatology in General Medicine; 6th Edition, Vol. 1, Chapter 73, Page 672.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional