Acne affects 40 to 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, making it the most common skin condition in the U.S. Acne is extremely common in teenagers, but it can affect people of all ages. If you have acne, your clogged pores cause you to develop skin lesions commonly referred to as pimples or zits. These bumps most commonly occur on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Home and medical treatments are available to improve the appearance of your skin.
Causes
The exact cause of acne has not been found, according to the National Institutes of Health, but pimples develop when pores become clogged with excess sebum, the oil your body produces to keep the skin hydrated. Bacteria then grow in the oil and cause inflammation, which leads to pimples. Hormone fluctuations, such as those that occur in adolescence or before menstruation, can increase sebum production and lead to acne. Oily skin products that clog pores may also lead to pimples. You may also inherit the tendency to develop acne.
Types
The type of acne you develop depends on where the inflammation occurs in the pore. Blackheads and whiteheads form when the blockage develops close to the skin’s surface, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Deeper blockages result in pimples that may be filled with pus. Very deep blockages cause cysts, the most severe symptom of acne.
Home Treatment
Wash your skin gently once or twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology. Your skin may become irritated if you wash your face too frequently or too aggressively, and this can make acne worse. Shampoo your hair daily if it tends to be oily to keep the oil away from your skin. Choose oil-free cosmetics and wash them off before bed. If your acne is mild, try an over-the-counter acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur, recommends the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. It can take up to eight weeks before over-the-counter products improve your skin.
Medical Treatment
If your acne is severe or you do not see improvement with home treatment, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral medications to clear your skin. Oral antibiotics are commonly used to reduce the bacteria that lead to inflammation. Women may benefit from taking birth control pills, which can regulate hormones and reduce acne symptoms. Severe cases of acne can be treated with the drug isotretinoin, but women who may become pregnant cannot take this medication because of the high risk of serious birth defects, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Severe cases of acne can also be treated with cortisone injections or surgery to manually remove lesions, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing, can help eliminate scars left by acne.
Considerations
Certain habits can make acne worse. Try to avoid touching or squeezing your lesions; this can worsen acne or cause scarring. Make an effort to control stress, which can lead to acne, according to the National Institutes of Health. Try to keep objects like hats, helmets, backpacks and other objects off of acne-prone skin as much as possible. Diet does not seem to play a role in most cases of acne, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, but avoid any foods that seem to aggravate your condition.
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