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All About Acne

Acne leaves few teenagers unscathed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 100% of adolescents between 12 and 17 years old have an occasional whitehead, blackhead or pimple. But acne is not solely a teen condition. It can affect individuals of all ages, even babies. And although it is rarely a serious medical condition, it can leave emotional and physical scars. Thankfully, most cases of acne are treatable.

Why Does It Happen?
Acne occurs when the body produces an excess amount of oil or dead skin cells, which accumulate in hair follicles and cause redness and swelling. Contrary to popular belief, neither dirt nor certain foods cause acne. Rather, genetics, hormones and plugged oil ducts are generally responsible for the blemishes. Hormonal changes related to puberty, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy and starting or stopping birth control pills can trigger an outbreak. Similarly, some medications, such as corticosteroids and androgenic steroids, may contribute to the problem. And friction or rubbing on the skin, such as from tight clothes or hats, and using greasy cosmetic products may also exacerbate the condition.

Mild cases may result in whiteheads (closed clogged pores) and blackheads (clogged pores open at the skin's surface). Moderate acne may include papules (raised, reddened areas) and pustules or pimples, bumps that contain pus. Severe cases involve nodules and cysts, which extend into deeper layers of the skin and can cause pain and tissue scarring.

What Can You Do About It?
Most acne can be managed with dutiful, basic skin care and a few extra steps to help reduce oil production, promote skin cell turnover and fight bacterial infection.

Keep the area clean. Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to slough away excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. Avoid excessive washing, scrubbing, astringents and masks, which can irritate the skin.

Don't touch. Keep hands, hair and other objects, such as telephones, away from your face. Resist the urge to pick or squeeze blemishes; this forces the oil into surrounding skin and can cause scarring.

Choose cosmetic products wisely. Look for cosmetics, sunscreen and hair-styling products labeled "water-based" or "noncomedogenic."

Try over-the-counter topical treatments. These products often contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol or salicylic acid, which help dry excess oil and encourage peeling. They should not be used on babies. Talk to your doctor about whether they are right for you.

For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you avoid permanent damage to your skin. These include topical ointments, antibiotics and oral contraceptives. If acne or the resulting scars affect your social relationships or self-confidence, consider talking to a dermatologist about advanced treatment to help manage blemishes and reduce scarring.