Acne Acne is the term of pimples or black-heads that form on the face, chest, upper back, or shoulders. A pimple forms when an oil gland in...
Acne
Acne is the term of pimples or black-heads that form on the face, chest, upper back, or shoulders. A pimple forms when an oil gland in the skin is blocked and secretions and bacteria build up under the skin. Acne usually starts during the teens, and often persists into adulthood. Many women get a few pimples just before their menstrual period.
Acne is the term of pimples or black-heads that form on the face, chest, upper back, or shoulders. A pimple forms when an oil gland in the skin is blocked and secretions and bacteria build up under the skin. Acne usually starts during the teens, and often persists into adulthood. Many women get a few pimples just before their menstrual period.
Stress and some medications such as oral contraceptives may make acne worse. Fatty foods such as chocolate and nuts are generally no longer considered a cause of acne.
Many cases of acne will respond to home treatment, especially if they are mild. For severe or persistent cases, your doctor can prescribe stronger topical medication, antibiotics, or other drugs.
Prevention
- Wash your face with a mild soap, such as Dove, or one that contains benzoyl peroxide, such as Pan-Oxyl-5 Soap. Wash as often as necessary to keep it clean, but do not scrub.
- While foods are no longer considered a significant cause of acne, avoid any food that seems to cause pimples.
Home Treatment
- Cleanliness is essential. Wash your face, shoulders, chest, and back with a very gentle soap such as Aveeno or Neutrogena. Avoid drying soaps such as deodorant soaps. Always rinse well.
- Keep long hair off the face and shoulders, and wash it daily.
- Don't pop pimples and blackheads. This can cause infection and scarring.
- Benzoyl peroxide gel or cream, an over-the-counter medication, is one of the best treatments for acne. Start with the lowest strength and apply once a day one-half hour after washing. It may cause mild redness and dryness. Strengths of 10 percent or more require a prescription from your physician.
- Use only non-comedogenic (does not clog skin pores), water-based lotions and cosmetics, and only if they don't aggravate acne.
- Controlling stress may help reduce acne flare-ups. (Read more on the next post)
When to call a Health Professional
- If acne gets worse despite several months of home treatment.
- If you have severe red or purple inflammation, cysts, or nodules under the skin.
- If scars develop as acne heals.
