acne
Acne
Acne is a skin condition which consists of clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples (pustules), and deeper lumps (nodules). It occurs on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Although most teenagers get some form of acne, adults in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, or even older can develop acne. Often acne clears up after several years, even without treatment. However, acne can be disfiguring and upsetting to the patient. Untreated acne can leave permanent scars; these may be treated by your dermatologist in the future. To avoid acne scarring, treating acne is important.
Adult Acne
Adult acne develops later in life and may be related to hormones, pregnancy, menopause, or discontinuation of oral contraceptives. Adult women may be treated at the time of their period and at ovulation when acne is especially severe, or throughout the entire cycle.
Cleansing
Acne has nothing to do with not washing your face. However, it is best to wash your face with a mild cleanser and warm water daily. Washing too often or too vigorously may actually make your acne worse.
Diet
Acne is not caused by foods. However, if certain foods seem to make your acne worse, try to avoid them.
Treatment
Controlling acne is an ongoing process. All acne treatments work by preventing new acne breakouts. Existing blemishes must heal on their own, and therefore, improvement takes time. If your acne has not improved within two to three months, your treatment may need to be changed. The treatment your dermatologist recommends will vary according to the type of acne.
Topicals
Your dermatologist may prescribe topical creams, gels, or lotions with vitamin A acid-like drugs, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics to help unclog the pores and reduce bacteria. These products may cause some drying and peeling. Your dermatologist will advise you about correct usage and how to handle side effects. Before starting any medication, even topical medications, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are trying to get pregnant.
Special Treatments
Acne surgery may be used by your dermatologist to remove blackheads and whiteheads. Do not pick, scratch, pop, or squeeze pimples yourself. When the pimples are squeezed, more redness, swelling, inflammation, and scarring may result. Microdermabrasion may be used to remove the upper layers of the skin improving irregularities in the surface, contour, and generating new skin. Light chemical peels with salicylic acid or glycolic acid help to unclog the pores, open the blackheads and whiteheads, and stimulate new skin growth. Injections of corticosteroids may be used for treating large red bumps (nodules). This may help them go away quickly.
Oral
Antibiotics taken by mouth such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or erythromycin are often prescribed.
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