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What is acne? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The glands become clogged, leading to pimples and cysts. Acne is very common - nearly 80 percent of individuals in the US between 11 and 30 years old will be affected by this condition at some point. Acne most often begins in puberty. During puberty, the male sex hormones (androgens) increase in both boys and girls, causing the sebaceous glands to become more active - resulting in increased production of oil (sebum). What causes acne? Rising hormone levels during puberty may cause acne. In addition, acne is often inherited. Other causes of acne may include the following: • hormone level changes during the menstrual cycle in women • certain drugs (such as corticosteroids, lithium, and barbiturates) • oil and grease from the scalp, mineral or cooking oil, and certain cosmetics • bacteria inside pimples Acne can be aggravated by squeezing the pimples or by scrubbing the skin too hard. Skin may also become irritated with friction or pressure from helmets, backpacks, or tight collars. Some environmental conditions such as pollution or humid conditions can also irritate the skin. Treatment of acne: Specific treatment for acne will be determined by your physician based on: • your age, overall health, and medical history • severity of the acne • your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies • expectations for the course of the condition • your opinion or preference The goal of acne treatment is to minimize scarring and improve appearance. Treatment for acne will include topical or systemic drug therapy. Depending upon the severity of acne, topical medications (applied to the skin) or systemic medications (taken orally) may be prescribed by your physician. In some cases, a combination of both topical and systemic medications may be recommended. |
