Approximately 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. As many as 85 percent of teenagers in the United States will have acne each year, though the conditions can affect you at any age. MayoClinic.com explains that the quicker you treat your acne, the less likely you are to develop scarring or other permanent damage.
Symptoms
Acne appears on the face, chest, back and shoulders, though it can manifest anywhere. Comedones, generally referred to as whiteheads and blackheads, are common with acne. Blackheads are comedones that are open at the surface, while whiteheads are closed and typically flesh-colored. Papules and pustules are usually larger than whiteheads and blackheads. They often appear red and tender. Nodules and cysts are more severe forms of acne that form below the skin's surface.
Causes
Acne forms when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil or dead skin cells. While poor hygiene, stress and diet have been blamed for acne, there is no sufficient medical evidence to support these claims. Some people are more inclined to develop acne because of an overproduction of oil. Hormonal changes in teenagers and pregnant or premenstrual women can contribute to acne. If you have a family history of acne and skin problems, you are more likely to develop blemishes, according to MayoClinic.com.
Home Treatment
If you have mild or moderate acne, home treatment may help clear your breakouts. Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser twice a day. Washing more frequently or using harsh scrubs and astringents can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Avoid using greasy creams, lotions and cosmetics on areas where you are prone to breakouts. Look for products that are oil-free, water-based or noncomedogenic to avoid making the problem worse.
Over-the-counter creams and gels containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur or salicylic acid can help clear pimples, but such products can dry out the skin and contribute to further breakouts. Keep your hands and hair away from your face and do not pick at blemishes. Squeezing or picking can lead to infection and scarring.
Medical Treatment
If you suffer from severe acne or your breakouts do not clear up with home treatment, your dermatologist may prescribe a topical or oral medication to help clear your skin. Prescription-strength topical creams and gels that contain vitamin help clear your skin by encouraging cell turnover to prevent hair follicles from plugging. Topical antibiotic creams work by killing excess bacteria that promote acne.
Oral antibiotics can also help fight bacteria, though they are usually only prescribed for a short time. Some women find that oral contraceptives help clear up and control their acne. Isotretinoin is a strong prescription medicine used to treat severe cystic acne that does not clear up with other treatment methods. The medication can cause serious side effects, including birth defects and depression.
Laser treatments damage the oil glands, preventing them from producing excessive amounts of oil that lead to breakouts. Laser treatment for acne can cause temporary skin problems. Light therapy can help kill bacteria and lessen the appearance of scarring and redness leftover from acne breakouts.
Prevention
Breakouts can recur after your acne is under control if you do not follow preventive measures. Keep your face clean. Use water-based skin products to discourage pimples from forming, and avoid tight-fitting clothing in areas where you are prone to breakouts. Mild topical creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help prevent acne before it manifests when used on a daily basis.
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