Acne
Explanation | Treatment
What is acne?
Acne is a problem of the oil glands of the skin called sebaceous glands. Normally sebaceous glands provide oil to keep the skin smooth. During the teenage years, there is an increase in oil production. In some people the oil glands become plugged and inflamed causing acne.
Acne usually occurs on the face, back, shoulders and chest. It can be begin as early as 8 or 9 years of age and is usually worse in girls in their mid-teens and boys in their late teens.
While varying factors can make acne worse there is no evidence that chocolate, soft drinks or fatty foods are bad for acne. If you find certain foods make you break out, those foods should be avoided.
Acne Treatment
Wash with a gentle soap of your choice 2-3 times a day to remove the greasiness from your skin. Try to avoid harsh soaps, astringents, or scrubs, which will irritate the skin. Remember, acne is not caused by dirt and cannot be scrubbed away. The treatment prescribed for acne must be performed on a daily basis to see improvement. The first signs of improvement are usually in about 1 month.
Medications applied to the skin to treat acne include benzoyl peroxide gels and antibiotics in liquid, gel or pad form. These products reduce the number of bacteria on the skin. Retinoids such as Retin-A", Differin" or Tazorac" may also be applied to the skin to prevent the formation of plugged pores.
Retinoids may cause redness and peeling and should be used carefully according to your doctor's directions. While using retinoids, your skin may become very sensitive to the sun so sunscreen should always be used. If your acne will not respond to topically applied medication, your doctor may need to prescribe oral medication such as antibiotics, birth control pills (for girls) or isotretinoin (Accutane") for severe cases.
Patient Education Program I 1027 1/91
Rev. 3/07
