ACNE

What is Acne?

Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 80% of teenagers and young adults as well as significant numbers of older adults. There are a variety of manifestations of acne, including small clogged pores or blackheads, larger red inflamed pimples or deep tender cysts with potential for permanent scaring. The type of acne a person gets will vary, depending on age, whether male or female, and hormonal status. Also the pattern and severity of acne within a given individual tends to change over time.

What causes Acne?

Despite its prevalence, there is still much we do not know about acne and how it is caused. A combination of factors can predispose a person to acne, including onset of puberty or other hormonal changes, family history of acne and skin type. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that a fatty diet, inadequate washing or any particular personal habit causes acne. It is important to remember that acne is something that happens to you, not something that you have done to yourself.

How will I know if I have acne?

There are at least 4 separate changes that happen in the skin which appear to play a role in the formation of acne. First, the skin cells fail to shed from the surface as they are supposed to, forming a small plug within the pore, which leads to a blackhead. Then, excess oil released from the enlarged oil glands builds up within the blocked pore. Bacteria present naturally within pores then break down the oil into different irritating chemicals. Finally, these chemicals draw white blood cells into the pore, generating inflammation that leads to formation of pimples.

How can I treat my acne?

Different medications are used to treat the different aspects of acne. Various prescription creams are available to improve clogged pores, decrease growth of bacteria in the skin or inhibit inflammation. Antibiotic pills are used to inhibit bacterial growth and suppress larger inflamed pimples. Some medicines can shrink down the enlarged oil glands. Often, combinations of different drugs are prescribed to target the different aspects of a given individual's acne.

Be realistic with your expectations regarding treatment. No one can cure your acne such that you will never have a pimple again. The goal of therapy is to keep your acne to an acceptable minimum. When assessing the response of your acne to treatment, it is important to keep in mind that acne has a natural waxing and waning pattern. Periodic flares will occur that are completely unrelated to any therapy. You should evaluate the overall pattern of your acne over several weeks, not just a few bad days, and decide whether the prescribed treatment is resulting in significantly fewer pimples and blackheads that heal more quickly. We recommend a trial of at least 6 to 8 weeks with prescribed treatments before seeking a change in therapy. Also, remember that acne is a long-term condition that requires daily treatment. Prescribed medicines have to be used regularly in order to maintain adequate control of your acne.

Helpful Hints:
* Proper skin care is important.

* Most topical acne medicines dry and irritate the skin.

* Overwashing and use of abrasive soaps needs to be avoided.

* Acne is not caused by dirt and is not necessarily helped by simply washing your face. Face washing should be minimized to only once or twice a day, using mild liquid cleansers designed for sensitive skin (such as Del Clens, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, Cetaphil lotion and many others).

*Any creams, moisturizers, sunscreens or make-ups placed on the face should be clearly labeled as safe for acne-prone skin or noncomedogenic. Applying greasy lotions to the skin will only cause more clogged pores and can worsen acne.

Even though acne is a long-term persistent skin condition, it is quite manageable with proper use of many different available medications. We will work with you to find the right combination of medicines that will keep your acne in remission and keep you looking your best.