ACNE

What Is Acne?

• Acne vulgaris is called simply acne, pimples, or zits. Almost all teenagers have it. Acne usually gets better with age, but sometimesolder people, especially women, can get acne.

What Causes Acne?

• Male hormones present in both males and in lesser amounts in females increase during puberty and stimulate oil glands of theskin. In the midteens, skin oil (sebaceous) glands begin to producemore oil. Oily skin usually results, but in some people thisoil is blocked at skin pore openings. Bacteria, oil, and other materialsblock these pores. Blocked oil backs up and forms whiteheads;if pores are open to the air, blackheads form. Blocked oilin the skin causes redness (infl ammation) and infection, andthen pimples and cysts. Boys usually have more oily skin thangirls and often worse acne. Foods do not affect acne. Acne is notan infection, so it cannot be caught from someone else.

What Are the Symptoms of Acne?

A rash usually occurs on the face, shoulders, and back. The small bumps can be whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples with pus.How Is Acne Diagnosed?Usually, the doctor just does a skin examination. Sometimesblood tests may be done to help pick the best medicine and tomonitor side effects from treatment.

MANAGING YOUR ACNE

• Acne is a very common condition, especially during adolescence. A number of things can help control it. Together, you and your doctor can find something that works for you. Oil glands become more active, and oil may become blocked at the skin pore and form a whitehead. A blackheadis a gland with an openpore.Pimples and cysts form when oil leaks into surrounding skin and  causes redness (inflammation) and infection. Squeezing pimples  can also cause scarring. Acne can

How Is Acne Treated?

• Whatever the treatment, a few weeks may pass before acne improves. Sometimes, acne may worsen before improving. A healthy diet, regular exercise, daily skin care with salicylic acid compounds and cleansing soaps, and gentle washing (no scrubbing) are important. All acne treatments work by preventing new acne. Treatment usually starts with lowest strength over-the-counter topical medicines (put on the skin). These drugs are usually antibiotics and peeling agents (comedolytics). Antibiotics include benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin, and clindamycin. The over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide has both peeling and antibiotic effects. Additional prescription drugs include other peeling agents, antibiotics, and hormones. Most people outgrow acne by their mid 20s. Rarely, severe cases may need special treatment, such as surgery.
• DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Acne:
• ✔ DO eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wash oily skin  gently, at least twice daily, with medicated soap and water
• . ✔ DO use pills or creams according to your doctor’s instruction.
• ✔ DO use oil-free cosmetics, suntan lotions, and shampoos.
• ✔ DO call your doctor if your acne gets worse despite treatment or if you have bad scarring.
• ✔ DO see a dermatologist if your doctor recommends it.
• ✔ DO call your doctor if you have emotional problems because of acne. Acne may cause embarrassment, anxiety, and social diffi culties.
• DON’T be impatient. Improvement usually takes a few

weeks.

DON’T avoid specifi c foods unless you fi nd that they make your acne worse.

DON’T pinch, squeeze, or pick your pimples. Infection and scarring can result.

DON’T sunbathe. It can make acne worse.

DON’T use over-the-counter acne drugs while you take prescription drugs, unless your doctor knows