Treating and Preventing Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives.

While it is most common in teens and young adults, over 80% experience at least some mild form of acne. Most people outgrow their acne by their 20's, however, some people, especially women can experience outbreaks in their 40's.

Acne typically occurs on the face but is known to also occur on the neck, chest, shoulders or back. It shows up in the form of pimples, generally known as whiteheads or blackheads. Large, deep pimples are known as cystic lesions. These are painful lesions in the pores which can lead to scarring.

Elevated hormone levels, typically caused during puberty, simulate sebaceous glands which produces sebum (or oil). Sebum combines with dead skin cells forming a plug in the skin's pores. Whiteheads and blackheads are clogged pores. Cystic lesions on the other hand, are when bacteria grows under the clogged pores with the mixture of sebum and cells. This mixture can spread causing inflammation, redness and pus.

Acne Treatments While there is no cure for acne, there are a number of treatments used to reduce or eliminate outbreaks and hopefully prevent scarring. - Benzoyl peroxide lotions often control mild acne and help in preventing new outbreaks. If these treatments do not work, a doctor can prescribe topical antibiotics to help kill the bacteria.

- Moderate to severe acne can often be controlled by combining topical benzoyl peroxide along with oral antibiotics. The combination has an increased effectiveness while decreasing the risk of developing bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

- Acne with large painful cystic lesions might require a prescription treatment of topical retinoid (vitamin A).

- Recently, light wave therapy which has been federally approved, uses a narrow-band, high intensity blue light to treat mild to moderate acne. It is primarily used for conditions that have not responded to other treatments.

- Acne Prevention It's difficult, at best, to prevent acne but there are several things you can do at home to keep it from getting worse.

- Gently wash your face every day. Take care not to scrub too hard or use scrubbing materials. Harsh scrubs can scratch your pores making acne worse. Also do not wash too often. Once or twice a day is generally sufficient.

-Avoid excessive sweating. Sweating can be hard to avoid, however wash soon after participating in activities that cause you to sweat.

- Wash your hair often if you hair is oily. Also try to keep it off your face as much as possible.

- Avoid hair care products such as gels, mousses, cream rinses or hair products that contain lots of oils. These can actually make your acne worse.

- Use cosmetic products labeled noncomedogenic or oil-free. also avoid shimmering facial colors. These can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog your pores.

- Use Sunscreens. Always use a sunscreen. The sun is never good for your skin.

- Natural remedies are often great places to start followed by a good, healthy diet. Your skin is your body's largest organ. If what you eat is good for your body, it will be good for your skin.

If acne persists and you are plagued by painful cystic lesions, it's best to consult your physician.

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