ACNE

(Acne Vulgaris)

 Basic information

description

Acne is a common skin condition. It usually affects the skin on the face, chest, and back. Acne has affected almost all people at some point during their lives. In teenagers, it is more common in males than in females. In adults, it is more common in women than men. It can last a few months, or years, or for an entire lifetime.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Mild acne can cause blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones).
• Pimples (also called zits). These are skin pores that have become pus-filled (clogged and bacteria-infected).
• Severe acne produces many pimples.
• Redness and inflammation around pimples.
• Cysts (larger, firm swellings in the skin).

causes

Glands in the skin make an oily substance called sebum. Sebum usually empties onto the skin surface through a pore (small opening) and causes no problems. With acne, the sebum becomes plugged up in the pore. Sex-hormone changes during the teen years play a role. Acne is not caused by unclean skin or by foods.

risk increases with

• Teenagers and young adults.
• Endocrine disorders.
• Use of some drugs, such as cortisone.
• Family history of acne.
• Cosmetics, creams, or moisturizers that contain oil.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Acne cannot be prevented at present. Certain factors can cause a flare up. Avoid them where possible.
• A flare up of acne can be caused by some make-up and lotions, certain foods, sunlight, friction (tight clothes, bicycle helmets), and hormone changes in females before their periods.

expected outcomes

• Most cases respond well to treatment. It may take several months. Acne tends to disappear after teen years.
• Despite treatment, acne will sometimes flare up.

possible complications

• Poor self-image, depression, and emotional stress.
• Permanent pitting of the skin.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Wash face with a mild soap once or twice a day and after exercising. Clean skin gently; don't scrub. An antibacterial soap may help. Rinse soap off completely.
• Shampoo hair daily, especially if it is oily. Don't let hair hang in the face. Use dandruff-preventing shampoo if needed.
• Avoid oil-based cosmetics. Use thinner, lotion-style, water-based products.
• Don't squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the skin. Acne heals better without damage to the skin. Removal of comedones (blackheads) may be done by your health care provider.
• Use nonprescription acne products on your skin.
• See your health care provider if home treatments are not helping or acne is more severe. A skin exam will be done and treatment options will be discussed.
• Treatment will depend on the severity of the acne, any infection or inflammation, and if you are a female who may become pregnant. Treatment may include drugs (both for topical use or taken by mouth).
• Cosmetic surgery (dermabrasion) may be recommended to remove scars after acne heals.
• Removal or drainage of a cyst may be needed.

medications

• Use nonprescription creams or lotions products to treat the acne. These may contain benzyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid, or resorcinol.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacteria infection.
• For more severe cases, topical or oral retinoids (a form of vitamin A), hormone drugs, or stronger acne drugs may be prescribed. Some drugs may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and increase the risk of sunburn.
• Caution—if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your health care provider before using acne drugs.

activity

No limits.

diet

Foods don't cause acne, but some foods may make it worse. To find any food problems, stop eating foods that you think may make the acne worse. Then reintroduce them one at a time. If acne flares up 2 to 3 days after a food is eaten, leave that food out of your diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has acne and self-care is not helping.
• Acne recurs despite treatment.

Special Notes: