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SALT LAKE CITY — Acne is most commonly associated with teenagers, but it can affect just about anyone. The worst part is the devastating effects it can have on a person’s self-esteem. To fight acne, it’s important to understand where it comes from and what methods of treatment work best.
What is acne?
Acne — also known as pimples, zits, blemishes and other similar euphemisms — occurs when the pores of your skin become clogged, in most cases by oils and makeup. Each pore contains a hair and an oil gland. Some skin types produce more oils than others, and this is why some people have worse acne than others.
Types of acne include:
- Papules — small red bumps
- Whiteheads — white, raised bumps caused by collections of oil and skin in pores
- Blackheads — tiny, dark spots on the skin caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle pore
- Acne cyst — a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus or other material. The cyst develops because the starting of the pimple is deep within your skin.
What causes acne?
According to PubMed Health, acne is most common in teenagers, but anyone can get acne, even babies. Acne tends to run in families and may be triggered by:
- Hormonal changes related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills or stress.
- Use of greasy or oily cosmetics and hair products.
- Certain drugs — such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen and phenytoin.
- High levels of humidity and excessive perspiration.
Many believe chocolate, nuts or greasy foods can cause acne, but scientific research does not support these theories. However, some studies have shown diets high in refined sugars may contribute to the development of acne.
How can I get rid of acne?
The most effective ways I've found of preventing and treating acne include:
- Clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying, fragrance-free soap.
- Remove all dirt or makeup daily. The heavy cleaning needs to be done at night; in the morning you can just a warm washcloth.
- Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. This may sound strange, yet remove your makeup with baby oil. It is gentle on your skin. Then wash your face.
- When you get a pimple, drain it and then clean with alcohol to prevent infection. I know this goes against current recommendations, but if the pore stays closed and inflamed, you will develop acne scars.
- Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
- Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps and other hats.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
- If you use over-the-counter acne products, it’s not important which one is better than another; the key is to find which one works for you. It may take some time to find the right product, but all your effort will be worth it when you do. (I am a true believer in ProActive products because they really worked for my teenagers).
- A small amount of sun exposure may help to dry the oily skin, but I do not recommend tanning beds for teenagers. Sun exposure should be limited, though. Remember you are not exposing your skin to tan your skin.
If the suggestions above do not work for you, it may be time to seek professional help. Some of the tools the dermatologist will use include:
- Oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim and amoxicin
- Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin) such as clindamycin, erythromycin or dapsone
- Retinoic acid cream or gel (tretinoin, Retin-A)
- Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid
- Topical azelaic acid
The following minor medical procedures may also be helpful:
- A laser procedure called photodynamic therapy may be used.
- Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling; removal of scars by dermabrasion; or removal, drainage, or injection of cysts with cortisone.
- People who have cystic acne and scarring may try a medicine called isotretinoin (Accutane). You will be watched closely when taking this medicine because of its side effects, which can cause permanent damage if not monitored closely.
It’s important to note that pregnant women should not take Accutane because it causes severe birth defects. Women taking Accutane must use two forms of birth control before starting the drug and enroll in the iPledge program.
Parents, help your children build their self-worth and self-esteem by helping them to look their best at all times, and this includes treating acne of any kind.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
