What is acne?
Zits, breaking out, blemishes... they are all names for the same
thing: acne vulgaris (the medical term). Acne usually amounts to
different types of bumps on the skin. The most common are blackheads
and whiteheads. Some are just red pimples. Severe acne can cause deep,
sore red or purple-colored bumps, called cysts or nodules. Acne can
appear on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back. Acne can
be very mild to very severe. The worst cases of acne can cause lasting
scars.
How common is acne?
Acne is very common. It affects about 17 million Americans. Acne
occurs most often among teenagers - about 4 out of every 5 teens have
some kind of acne. It usually appears first between the ages of 10 and
13. In most cases, acne lasts for about 5 to 10 years, then goes away
on its own. However, some adults in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s get
acne.
What causes acne?
No one really knows for sure, but acne erupts when pores (the tiny
openings in your skin) become clogged with a mixture of oil and dead
skin cells. The oil (called sebum) is made by glands at the base of
each pore Normally, this oil travels up through the pore and out onto
the skin's surface. However, if too much oil is produced, it can
cause the cells in the pore to plug up. Germs can grow below the plug,
causing redness, swelling, and pimples. Blackheads form when the plug
goes through a chemical change. Blackheads are not caused by dirt.
How do hormones affect acne?
Certain hormones produced by your body can make the skin glands more
active, causing them to put out more oil. You are more likely to
develop acne during the times when your body makes larger amounts of
the hormones, such as during puberty, when your body is going through
sexual changes. This is why so many teenagers get acne.
Acne Facts
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Four out of five teenagers have acne.
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Acne usually goes away by itself during the early
20s.
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Most acne is caused by hormones — not by dirt, oil,
or greasy foods.
-
Scrubbing your face or squeezing pimples can make acne
worse.
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Most women find that acne improves while taking birth
control pills.
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Treatments for acne include creams and lotions, such as
benzoyl peroxide, that you can buy without a prescription.
Prescription drugs, such as antibiotics, pills, and
lotions are available from your doctor.
Keeping acne away
In most cases, dirt, oil, or greasy foods do not cause acne. Hormones,
in part, are what cause acne, which makes it difficult to prevent. It
is important to know that scrubbing your face will not help
acne. In fact, scrubbing too hard or washing too often can actually
make your acne worse. Also, do not squeeze your pimples or pick at
your skin; this can cause acne to spread and could cause scarring. If
you use make-up or sunscreen, look for oil-free types labeled
"non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic".
What treatments are available for acne?
Mild to moderate acne can be treated with a variety of
over-the-counter (non-prescription) products, such as lotions and
creams. Many contain benzoyl peroxide. These products
come in different strengths, usually 2.5%, 5%, or 10%. Benzoyl
peroxide might make your skin red or dry. If your skin starts to peel,
try using a lower-strength formula or use it less often. Benzoyl
peroxide can bleach your hair or clothing. Be careful when using it
near your hair or in areas that will come in contact with your
clothes.
Many acne treatments are available by prescription. Your healthcare
provider or skin doctor (dermatologist) may recommend antibiotics or
products made with Retin A. These products may be applied on the skin
or taken by mouth. Some prescription drugs for severe acne can cause
birth defects in babies, so avoiding pregnancy is very important if
you are taking them. Discuss this with your doctor or healthcare
provider.
Sometimes doctors prescribe birth control pills as a treatment for
moderate to severe acne. This approach can be very useful if you are
sexually active and want to avoid pregnancy. Many young women find
that their acne improves when they use birth control pills because of
the effect they have on hormones. None of the birth control pills
available in the United States, however, have been shown to be better
than any other pills for treating acne. Be sure to discuss the
situation with your doctor. He or she can help select the right
treatment for you.
Lastly, be patient. Most acne treatments take months to work. It is
important to continue using the medication exactly as your doctor
recommends.
For More Information
To learn more about acne and treatments, visit the American Academy of
Dermatology at http://www.aad.org/