Acne

What is acne?

• Acne is a skin condition.
• It looks like different types of bumps.
• The bumps can be blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts.
• Acne shows up most commonly on the face. It can also be on the neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest.

What causes acne?

• Glands in the skin and hair make sebum. Sebum is a natural oil.
• Teens often get acne because their hormones are changing so rapidly. The hormones can cause the glands to make too much sebum.
• Skin cells can clog pores. Sebum and bacteria can get trapped in the pores, causing swelling and redness.
• The swelling and redness are signs of a small infection, called a pimple.

What doesn't cause and cure acne?

• Acne is not caused by food.
• It is not caused by eating chocolate, drinking soda, or eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza.
• Stress does not cause acne. But, after a person has acne, stress can make it worse.
• The sun doesn't make acne better. Sun can cause tanning, sunburn, wrinkles, and lead to skin cancer. When your skin is tan, pimples may seem better because the redness is harder to see. The sun will not make acne go away.
• Acne is not caused by dirt or sweat.

Who can get acne?

• Acne can affect people of any age but it is most common in teens.
• Almost 8 in every 10 teens get acne.
• If a parent had acne as a teen, the child has a greater chance of getting acne.
• Some girls get acne a few days before they get their period. It is caused by hormone changes in the body.

Is acne contagious?

• No. Acne is not contagious.

How is acne treated?

• There are many over-the-counter lotions and creams that treat acne, such as benzoyl peroxide. The creams work by killing bacteria.
• Follow the instructions closely. See if you are allergic to the cream first.
• Don't use more than you are supposed to. It can make your skin dry up and look worse.
• Benzoyl peroxide is a bleach. Remember that it will bleach washcloths, towels, and clothes.
• For many people, washing the face twice a day with a mild soap and using benzoyl peroxide is all that is needed.
• Some teens may want to see their doctor or dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who treats skin problems.
• The doctor may prescribe medications. The medication could be in the form of creams or pills.
• Some girls find that birth control pills help clear up acne.
• Do not touch, pick, or squeeze the pimple. It can cause even more redness. If your hands are dirty, it can also make the pimple worse.
• The redness can be covered up by make-up. The make-up should have green pigment (color) as its base.

How long does acne last?

• Most people do not get acne after their teenage years. Some women have acne because of their periods.
• Acne can take months to clear up, even with treatment.
• Picking at pimples can leave red spots on your face. The redness usually clears up after several months.
• Acne can cause scarring.

How can acne be prevented?

• The best way not to get acne is to prevent it. Once you have acne, you can't cure it. You just have to wait for it to heal.
• Gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and warm water.
• Take off all of your makeup before you go to bed.
• Don't scrub your face. It can irritate the skin and make acne worse.
• If you wear makeup, sunscreen, or use lotion, use kinds that say "oil-free," "noncomedogenic," or "nonacnegenic." It won't clog your pores.
• If you wear hairspray, cover your face with your hand while you spray. Hair gels and hairspray can irritate your face if they are put near the hairline.
• Washing your hair helps keep oil away from your face.
• If you work at a place where there is lots of grease, like at a fast-food restaurant or gas station, wash your face as soon as you get home.
• Wash your face after exercising.
• Mild cleansers, such as Cetaphil, Purpose, and Neutrogena, can be used to wash the face. Antibacterial pads can also be used to clean the face.
• Exfoliating cleaners and scrubs can be used. The scrubs are like grainy creams that you spread on the skin. They remove the outer layer of the skin and open pores. Ask a doctor first. They may be too harsh for some skin.

When should I call the doctor?

• You may want to call if your child has severe acne or if your child has not been able to control her acne with the treatments suggested above.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns.

Quick Answers

• Acne is a skin condition that looks like different types of bumps.
• Acne is caused by clogged pores. Bacteria can get trapped in the pores, causing swelling and redness. If the pore gets infected, a pimple is formed.
• Acne is not caused by eating certain kinds of food, such as greasy food or chocolate. It is not caused by stress, dirt, or sweat. The sun does not clear up acne.
• Acne can affect people of any age but it is most common in teens.
• Acne is not contagious.
• There are many over-the-counter lotions and creams that treat acne.
• Acne can take months to clear up, even with treatment.
• You can help prevent acne by gently washing your face twice a day with soap and warm water. Don't scrub your face. It can irritate the skin and make acne worse.
• Call the doctor if your child has not been able to control her acne with the treatments suggested above.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology. Patient Information: Acne. 1987 (cited 2001 October 26). URL: http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/acnepamp.html
• Hyde, P M.D. TeensHealth: Why Do I Get Acne? KidsHealth. 2001 July (cited 2001 October 26). URL: http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=207&cat_id=&article_set=20519
• MedicineNet.com. Acne (Pimples). 2000 July 27 (cited 2001 October 26). URL: http://www.medicineNet.com/Script/Main/Art.asp?li=MNI&d=111&cu=94985&w=3&ArticleKey=257

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