Acne Treatment
What Is Acne?
Acne vulgaris, the most common form of acne, is an inflammatory disorder
of the sebaceous glands. Acne can involve the face, back, and chest;
it is characterized by the presence of blackheads with papules and
pustules, as well as the formation of cysts and scars in more severe
cases. Mild cases respond to topical therapy with benzoyl peroxide,
while refractory conditions require treatment with long-term antibiotics
or isotretinoin. Alternatively, severe persistent acne may be
treated by topical application of retinoids, which are synthetic vitamin A
derivatives. Anecdotal claims that a high fat or chocolate diet
exacerbates acne symptoms have not been clinically proven. Acne is
common in both boys and girls at puberty; it does not normally continue
beyond early adulthood.
What Causes Acne?
Acne blemishes are caused by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous
glands, stimulated by androgens. This excess sebum, mixing with dust
and dirt, blocks the skin pores and causes blackheads to form. Some
bacteria, normally present in hair follicles, then begin to proliferate
abnormally and cause inflammation. The blackheads develop into
papules or elevated, pus-filled pustules. If the follicle opening
completely closes, the accumulated sebum is degraded by bacteria
and forms a cyst.
Acne Treatments and Medications
Acne in adolescence results primarily from hormonal changes in the body
which stimulate the production of sebum. Outbreaks may sometimes be
mitigated (but not prevented) by a controlled diet and the use of
antibacterial soap, home remedies, or an acne product such as
Clearasil.
In adults, severe acne may be caused by an underlying endocrine disorder.
Another popular acne treatment is the Reversion acne control product. Developed by a doctor who is also a board-certified plastic surgeon and chemist, Reversion can be effective for all levels of acne and blemishes. Its two-step system can help prevent acne and control breakouts as well as repair and maintain skin elasticity.
Acne Control and Prevention
Dermatologists, skin care professionals, and nutritionists offer the following acne control and prevention tips for teenagers.
- Wash your face and hands twice a day with mild soap, sulfur soap, or antibacterial soap. Pat your face dry — do not rub it vigorously with a towel.
- Do not use your unwashed fingers to squeeze, pop, or pick at acne lesions. Bacteria and dirt from under your fingernails can spread the inflammations and worsen the acne.
- Use only "non-comedogenic" cosmetics and skin care products which do not clog skin pores.
- Wash your hair regularly. If you have oily hair, wash it daily and keep it away from your face.
- If you use a sports helmet, be sure to clean it regularly, especially interior helmet surfaces which come in contact with your skin.
- Avoid acne irritants such as airborne grease from cooking activities.
- If your acne condition worsens after eating certain foods, avoid eating those foods.
- Use a topical, over-the-counter acne medication containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
- Give acne control products time to work. It may take a few days or weeks to see good results.
- Some acne products can increase you skin's photosensitivity. While using these products, avoid tanning booths and protect your skin from ultraviolet rays by wearing a hat and using sunscreen as needed.
Acne Information and Resources
- Questions and Answers About Acne
This fact sheet contains general information about acne. It describes what acne is and how it develops, the causes of acne, and the best treatment options for various forms of acne. Information about caring for your skin is also provided. From the National Institutes of Health.
www.niams.nih.gov - AcneNet
This comprehensive, on-line acne information resource is published by the American Academy of Dermatology. Topics include acne myths, the social impact of acne, and acne scarring.
www.SkinCarePhysicians.com/AcneNet/ - Acne.net
Comprehensive acne and acne treatment resource. By Harvey H. Jay, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist.
www.Acne.net - eMJA: Acne and Acne Scarring
Reasons for early medical intervention, and acne scarring treatment options. From the Medical Journal of Australia.
www.mja.com.au - Acne.org
Resource where people can quickly and easily find information about acne treatment options.
www.Acne.org - Acne Treatment Overview
A general overview of acne and acne treatment approaches from the American Academy of Dermatology's Public Resource Center.
www.AAD.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Acne.htm
Acne Rosacea
There is another condition, known as acne rosacea or simply rosacea, in which certain facial blood vessels enlarge, giving the nose and cheeks a flushed, reddened appearance. For more information about rosacea, see Rosacea.org.
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