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Skin care

Acne

Acne is a common skin disorder characterized by clogged pores and pimples. Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting to people who are affected by the disorder.

People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Nearly 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.

Acne Symptoms

  • Whiteheads - are created when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil secretions and dead skin.
  • Blackheads - are similar to whiteheads, but are open to the skin surface and darken.
  • Pimples - are raised, reddish spots that signal inflammation or infection in the hair follicles.
  • Cysts - are thick lumps beneath the surface of the skin, which are formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.
  • Redness, inflammation around the skin eruptions
  • Scarring of skin

Acne Causes

The condition occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria. The blockage is called a plug or comedone. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.

Factors that can cause an acne include:

  • Irregular shedding of dead skin cells resulting in irritation of the hair follicles of your skin
  • Buildup of bacteria
  • Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
  • Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
  • Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
  • High levels of humidity and sweating

Acne Treatment

The goals of treatment acne are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this disease. Drug treatment is aimed at reducing several problems that play a part in causing acne: abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles, increased oil production, bacteria, and inflammation. Depending on the extent of the person's acne, the doctor will recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or prescription medicines.

You can avoid or control most acne with good basic skin care and self-care techniques:

  • Clean your skin gently with a mild, non-drying soap.
  • Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising.
  • Keep your hair clean and off your face. Avoid tight headbands.
  • Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Picking or squeezing can cause infection or scarring.
  • Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
  • Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Look for water-based or "non-comedogenic" formulas.

Prescription medicines for acne:

  • Oral antibiotics (minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline)
  • Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin), such as clindamycin or erythromycin.
  • Synthetic vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) for severe acne: retinoic acid cream or gel (Retin-A)
  • Birth control pills can sometimes help clear up acne.
  • Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid.