That is one most common questions posed to me. Acne is an all too common issue that has plagued each of us at one time or another. Unfortunately, it is such a visual ailment that it can cause self-esteem problems, especially in the teenager years. However, with all the treatment options available today, there is no reason why this should still be the case. All forms of acne can be treated and controlled.
Acne commonly starts in the early teen years, when the oil glands in the body start making more sebum (oil). Some people also have too many "sticky" skin cells. In people with acne, these cells mix with the oil and plug up the hair follicles in the skin. These plugs trap bacteria in the follicles, which can cause the follicles to swell. Tender red bumps are the result. If the follicle wall breaks near the skin surface, these bumps can develop into pimples.
Both boys and girls can get acne, but boys can potentially get it worse because they have more skin oils. You can also get if your mother or father had acne. Some of the things that can make acne worse include oil based makeup, suntan oils, hair gels and sprays, menstruation in girls, picking or squeezing, hard rubbing of the skin and sun exposure.
A "whitehead" results when the follicle is plugged with oil and skin cells. If this plug reaches the surface of the skin and the air touches it, it turns black and is called a "blackhead." A blackhead isn't caused by dirt.
If the wall of a plugged follicle breaks, the area swells and turns into a red bump. If the follicle wall breaks near the skin surface, the bump usually becomes a pimple. If the wall breaks deep in the skin, acne nodules or cysts can form. This is called cystic acne.
Acne can be treated in a number of ways. It can be treated with over the counter meds, prescription meds, or even with microdermabrasion.
Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common over-the-counter medications used to treat acne. These meds usually help with minor acne but are a waste of money for any significant acne problem.
Prescription meds include topical antibiotics and other topical gels, lotions, creams and oral medications.
Retinoids, such as Tretinoin (brand names: Retin-A, Avita, Altinac cream) and Adapalene (brand name: Differin), are other medicines for treating acne. If you use a retinoid, you must avoid the sun or use a strong sunscreen because this medicine increases your risk of getting a very bad sunburn.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) may be used to treat severe cystic acne that doesn't get better with other treatments. It's a pill that is taken once a day by mouth for 15 to 20 weeks. I am not a big fan of accutane.
In girls, isotretinoin can cause very serious side effects such as birth defects and miscarriages. It should never be taken during pregnancy or even 1 month before pregnancy. Girls must use 2 types of birth control or not have sex while they take isotretinoin, as well as 1 month before they start and 1 month after they stop taking it.
Acne, especially cystic acne, can cause scars in some people. You can help reduce scarring by not squeezing or picking at blemishes. Also, avoid scrubbing your skin. Gentle washing is better. If you do get scars, treatments are available.
Microdermabrasion is useful in both treating acne and acne scars. In microdermabraison, aluminum oxide crystals are used to remove the dead keratinized layer above the epidermis of the skin. In addition to removing acne scarring, microdermabrasion is used to reduce hyper-pigmented lesions, to achieve glowing healthy skin, and for almost any other skin problem. It can be used on the face, back, arms and anywhere on the body. It helps to make the skin look “flawless”. It can be used on men, women and children. Many patients have said they did not think it was possible to remove their acne scars were amazed at the results. The recommended treatment course is approximately four 25-minute treatments spaced two weeks apart from one another. We have seen wonderful results in treatment of cystic acne and acne scars in our office and other offices.
It’s very easy to get trapped by “info-mercials” that promise you the solution to acne that you’ve been looking for. Play it safe—ask your physician about these pricey treatments before shelling out your hard-earned cash. A medical doctor can recommend safer, more cost-effective solutions for those menacing blemishes.
My acne and acne scars
