BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
A chronic inflammatory skin condition common in adolescence,
but occasionally occurring intermittently
throughout life. It is characterized by skin eruptions on
the face, chest and back and is more common in males
than in females.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Blackheads (black spots the size of a pinhead).
- Whiteheads (white spots similar to blackheads).
- Pustules (small pus-filled lesions).
- Redness and inflammation around eruptions.
- If acne is severe, cysts (larger, firm swellings in the
skin), and abscesses (swollen, inflamed, tender area of
infection containing pus).
CAUSES
Oil glands in the skin become plugged for unknown
reasons, but sex-hormone changes during adolescence
play a role. When oil backs up, it becomes infected by
bacteria normally present in glands. Contrary to myth,
acne is not caused by dirt, masturbation or foods.
Cleanliness can lessen it, but sexual activity has no
effect on it.
RISK INCREASES WITH
- Exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Stress.
- Oily skin.
- Endocrine disorders.
- Use of drugs, such as cortisone, male hormones, or
oral contraceptives.
- Family history of acne.
- Some cosmetics.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Cannot be prevented at present.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Most cases respond well to treatment, and the condition
tends to disappear after adolescence.
- Despite good treatment, acne will flare up from time
to time.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Poor self-image and psychological distress.
- Permanent facial scars or pitting of the skin.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- If your skin is oily, cleanse it as follows:
Gently massage face with unscented soap for 3 to 5
minutes. Don't massage sorest places. Cleanse skin gently
(rough scrubbing spreads infection).
Rinse soap off for 1 to 2 minutes. Sometimes an
antibacterial soap will help.
After cleansing, use an astringent, such as alcohol,
to remove oil.
Use a fresh washcloth each day. Bacteria grow in
damp, wet cloths.
- Shampoo hair at least twice a week. Don't let hair
hang over the face even at night. Hair spreads oil and
bacteria. Use dandruff shampoo to treat or prevent dandruff.
Avoid cream rinses.
- After vigorous exercise, wash the sweat and oil off as
soon as possible.
- Avoid the heavier oil-based cosmetics and use the
thinner, lotion-style, water-based ones.
- Avoid moisturizers unless prescribed by doctor.
- Don't squeeze, scratch, pick or rub the skin. Acne
heals better without damage to the skin. Removal of
comedones (blackheads) may be done by the doctor.
- Don't rest your face on your hands while reading,
studying or watching TV.
- Exposure to ultraviolet light may be a recommended
treatment.
- Cosmetic surgery (dermabrasion) may be recommended
to remove unsightly scars after acne heals.
MEDICATIONS
- Antibiotics, both orally and topically, to fight infection.
- Cortisone injections into lesions.
- Isotretinoin (don't use if pregnant).
- 2.5%, 5% or 10% benzyl peroxide may be helpful.
- Retin-A causes increased sun sensitivity.
- Accutane causes increased sun sensitivity and should
be discontinued at least 3 months before attempting
pregnancy.
Caution: If you are pregnant, don't take oral medications
for acne.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET
Foods don't cause acne, but some foods may make it
worse. Keep a record of the foods you eat. To discover
any food sensitivities, eliminate foods from your diet
that you suspect make your acne worse. Then reintroduce
them one at a time. If acne flares up 2 or 3 days
after a food is eaten, leave it out of your diet. If not, you
may eat it. Acne usually improves in the summer, so
some foods that cannot be eaten in the winter may be
tolerated in the summer.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF
- You or a family member has acne.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in
treatment may produce side effects.
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