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Health Materials A-Z
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Acne
What is acne? Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores. Acne primarily affects teens; more than 85% experience at least a mild form of this condition. It most commonly occurs on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and neck. Acne affects young men and young women about equally, but there are differences. Men are more likely than women to have more severe, longer lasting forms of acne. In contrast, women are more likely to have intermittent acne due to hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle and acne caused by cosmetics. While most people outgrow their acne by their 20's, some, especially women, have acne well into adulthood. What causes acne?
What makes acne worse? Stress or illness may aggravate acne. Women may also have flares prior to their menstrual periods. Oily cosmetics may alter the opening of the sebaceous gland making the cells more likely to stick together and form comedones. What doesn't make acne worse? Food seems to have little effect on the severity of acne in most individuals. However, if you find that certain foods such as chocolate, fatty foods, and excessive amounts of milk or sweets make your acne worse, it is best to avoid them. In general, a balanced, healthful diet is recommended. How is acne treated? Treatment for acne depends upon its severity. The goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate outbreaks and to prevent scarring. Gently cleanse your skin with soap such as Dove® or Neutrogena®. Facial scrubs, toners, or masks may dry your skin. Topical medications are applied to the skin and are often used to treat mild to moderate acne. Some common topicals are:
How to use topical medicines: To decrease the chance of skin irritation, apply to dry skin 20 minutes after washing your face, and apply every other day for the first 2 weeks. Apply medicine to all areas of your face which are acne prone. It's fine to apply multiple topical medicines at the same time. Systemic medications are swallowed and work internally to control moderate to severe acne. Systemic medications are prescribed by clinicians and may include the following:
Will acne go away? Yes, eventually. However, while the condition is still active, there
may be episodic flares and improvements. There is no cure for acne,
but there are treatments and medications that help keep acne under control
until it clears with time. These medications can be used alone or in
combinations. Sometimes acne worsens for the first several weeks
after treatment is initiated and then gradually improves. Often improvement
will not be noted for six to eight weeks. Once acne significantly
improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from
reappearing. The care of your skin may require teamwork between you
and your clinician. Be prepared to see your clinician several times,
as medications may be added or deleted based on how your skin responds
to treatment. Related services at the Tang Center
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician. Last revised: January 2008 Back to Online Health Materials A-Z
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