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Acne occurs when the pores and ducts that connect oil glands to the skin surface become blocked. This blockage can occur for different reasons in different people. Acne usually begins around puberty when the oil glands shift into high gear and excess oil produced must be transported to the skin surface. The ducts may be blocked just below the surface by dead skin or other material resulting in pooling of the oil creating an environment that helps grow acne causing bacteria (P. acnes). These blocked pores are called blackheads and whiteheads, but your doctor may call them comedones.
Sometimes the acne develops pus bumps and tender red bumps. This type of acne is known as inflammatory acne and is more painful due to the deeper nature of the duct blockage. This type of acne can persist on into adulthood and tends to be inherited. The last type of acne is the very painful, hard lump under the skin that is known as cystic acne. This type of acne may be seen in puberty, but can reappear at perimenopause in women when hormonal changes account for oil duct problems.
Although acne is not a life threatening condition, it can be upsetting and embarrassing. The goal of treatment is to improve the appearance of the acne, decrease the incidence of scarring, and alleviate the associated discomfort. Fortunately, many excellent cleansers and treatments are available for acne sufferers.
Each pore contains an oil-producing gland called the sebaceous gland. Normally, oil from the gland passes through the pore to the surface of the skin. Acne usually occurs when the oil is blocked by dead skin cells, bacteria, hormones, and/or excess secretions. The obstruction causes the pore to swell, which leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Bacteria often cause inflammation, making the pimple red, sore, and occasionally full of pus.
Despite popular myth, acne is not caused by particular foods, including oily foods, soft drinks, chocolate nor is it a result of poor hygiene. Although emotional stress, fatigue, humidity, cosmetics and menstrual cycles do not cause acne, they can aggravate it. In addition, acne tends to run in families.
- Try to keep your hands, hair and objects like straps, hats and the phone away from your acne.
- Avoid excessive rubbing of the skin because it may increase irritation.
- Do not touch or squeeze pimples. Squeezing can spread infection and lead to permanent scarring.
- Avoid the use of oily cosmetics and creams. If you wear makeup, look for a water-based, noncomedogenic (non-pore-causing) brand and be sure to remove make-up thoroughly before bed.
- Eat a balanced diet and maintain proper hygiene.
- Be patient. Understand that your acne may get worse before it gets better. It takes at least 1 month to evaluate your treatment’s effectiveness.
- Follow your dermatologist’s instructions and use medications as directed.
There is no "instant" single cure for acne.
Due to the nature of the condition, a treatment that works for one person, may not work well for another.
In most cases, a physician-directed course of treatment can take 6 to 8 weeks to produce results.
After some initial success, subsequent treatments are needed to keep acne under control.
Acne with blackheads and whiteheads is usually treated with prescription cleansers and creams.
The more severe inflammatory and cystic acne requires the same prescription cleansers and creams in combination with oral medications.
Your dermatologist can help to select the treatment regimen that is best for your unique skin needs.
See important safety information.
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