About Acne

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, superficial red bumps and pus bumps (pimples) and sometimes even deeper, painful red lumps. Most noticeable on the face, acne can also occur on the neck, back, chest, shoulders and upper arms. It affects most teenagers in some form, but adults can also develop acne. Acne usually clears up without treatment after several years, but untreated acne can leave permanent physical and emotional scars.


What causes acne?

Acne is not caused by dirt, grease, grime or oil on the skin. There is no single cause of acne, but researchers have identified several key factors that contribute to its development:
• Production of excess sebum
 
Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. These glands are associated with hair follicles. Testosterone, a hormone that increases in both males and females during puberty, stimulates the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum.
• Abnormal production of follicular cells
 
Within the follicle, cells that are normally carried to the skin surface with sebum multiply rapidly and clump together. These dead skin cells combine with sebum to block the pores, creating whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps and pus bumps (pimples).
• Presence of a certain bacteria
 
A bacteria that normally lives in the skin, Propionibacterium acnes, is important in the development of acne. Adolescents with acne have a higher number of P. acnes in their skin than those without acne.
• Inflammation
 
Researchers generally agree that the combination of sebum, dead skin cells and skin bacteria trigger a variety of red bumps and pus bumps: This is inflammation, not infection, around the hair follicle.


What should I know about treating acne?

The goal is preventing new blemishes and healing existing ones, a process that is somewhat different for every individual. All acne treatments take time, so results may not be noticeable for a few months.

If you have mild acne, you may find that over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications, such as Pernox® Scrub Cleanser, and a good skin care regimen are all you need. Be sure to follow package directions carefully to prevent overdrying the skin.

If your acne has not improved within two to three months, or gets worse no matter what you do, you should consult a dermatologist. The dermatologist may prescribe one or more medications, such as prescription topical creams, gels or lotions to help remove the dead cells blocking the pores, or antibiotics to reduce the amount of bacteria in your skin. Antibiotics may also be taken by mouth. You will also receive important information about using these products correctly and establishing a skin care regimen at home.

In severe or stubborn acne, your dermatologist may use a sterile surgical instrument to extract the whiteheads and blackheads. Other options your dermatologist may recommend are microdermabrasion (removing the upper skin layers) or light chemical peels. For large inflamed lesions, injections of corticosteroids may help to speed healing. In the most severe cases, isotretinoin may be prescribed.

You will not be able to “cure” acne, but you can bring it under control with the right skin care regimen and appropriate medications. Over time, the factors that caused your acne may change, so that blemishes become less of a problem. In the meantime, taking good care of acne-prone skin can enhance your self-esteem and reduce your risk of permanent scars.


Disclaimer

Information on this Web site is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis and/or treatment by a licensed healthcare professional. Please consult your primary healthcare provider or a dermatologist for more information about the diagnosis and treatment of your particular condition.