1. What is acne?
Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads),
pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on
the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms.
Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. Untreated acne can leave
lifelong scars.
2. How does acne form?
Rising hormone levels during adolescence (puberty) cause the oil
(sebaceous) glands of the skin to get bigger. The glands are connected
to a hair-containing canal called a follicle. The sebaceous glands
make an oily substance called sebum which reaches the surface by
emptying through the opening of the follicle on to the skin surface.
The oil seems to stimulate the lining of the follicle. The cells
from the lining shed more rapidly and stick together, forming a
plug at the skin surface. The mixture of oil and cells also helps
bacteria in the follicles grow. These bacteria make chemicals that
can cause the wall of the follicle to break. Then sebum, bacteria
and shed skin cells spill in to the skin causing redness, swelling
and pus – a pimple.
3. Does cleansing help?
Yes. For the normal care of your skin, wash your face with soap
and warm water twice a day. Washing too often may actually make
your acne worse. Regular shampooing is also recommended. If your
hair is oily, you may want to wash it more often.
4. Does diet make a
difference?
Acne is not caused by the foods you eat. Some people find that certain
foods seem to make their acne worse. If that's the case, foods that
clearly worsen your acne should be avoided.
5. Will sunlight improve
acne?
A tan can mask your acne, but the benefits are temporary. Since
sunlight ages the skin and can cause skin cancer, you should avoid
sunburns and the use of sunlamps. Choose a sunscreen that is oil-free,
such as a gel sunscreen.
6. Do cosmetics increase
the severity of acne?
If you wear a liquid foundation or use a moisturizer, look for ones
that are oil-free and not just water-based. Remove your cosmetics
every night with soap and water. Shield your face when applying
hairsprays and gels. If the spray comes in contact with your facial
skin, it can cause whiteheads and blackheads.
7. How is acne treated?
There are several effective treatments for acne. Your dermatologist
may prescribe topical creams or lotions such as vitamin A acid or
benzoyl peroxide to help unblock the pores and reduce the bacteria.
There are also antibiotics that are applied to the skin. These are
used in less severe cases of acne. Antibiotics taken by mouth such
as tetracycline, erythromycin or minocycline are often prescribed
for moderate or severe cases. The antibiotics reduce the bacteria
in the follicle and may also decrease the redness directly. When
taking oral antibiotics some women develop a yeast infection. Women
who are taking birth control pills may notice a significant improvement
in their acne, and occasionally birth control pills are used specifically
for the treatment of acne. It is also important to know that oral
antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Another oral medication, isotretinoin is sometimes
used for severe acne that has not responded to other treatments.
Patients using isotretinoin must thoroughly understand the side
effects of this drug. Frequent follow-up visits are necessary to
monitor side effects. Prevention of pregnancy is a must, since the
drug causes severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Don't pick, scratch, pop or squeeze pimples yourself.
When the pimples are squeezed, more redness, swelling, inflammation
and scarring may result.
Control of acne is an ongoing process. All acne treatments
work by preventing new acne. Existing blemishes must heal on their
own. Improvement takes time. If your acne has not improved after
6 to 8 weeks, your dermatologist may need to change your treatment.
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