Acne: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Some surprising statistics about the prevalence of acne in the United States include:

• About 25 percent of teens who currently have acne will end up with acne scars.
  
  
• Only 11 percent of those suffering from acne seek medical attention for their skin condition.
  
  
• Over 80 percent of adolescents between 12 and 20 have acne.

Causes of Acne

• Build up of bacteria: If a sufficient amount of bacteria starts building up on skin, it can clog and infect the pores, causing the pimples and zits associated with acne.
  
  
• Clogged pores: Both dead skin cells and skin oil are other substances that clog pores and cause acne. While some people’s skin naturally regenerates slower (causing dead skin cells to build up on the skin) or produces more oil that can lead to acne, others have a build up of pore-clogging oil and dead skin cells because they don’t practice proper hygiene.
  
  
• Genetics: Those with a family history of acne are far more likely to develop this skin problem than those without a genetic history of it.

• Medications: Some medications may cause acne as a side effect. If you are taking medication that you suspect is causing your acne, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.

While each of the above factors can play a role in the development of acne, there are many false "urban legends" about other potential causes of acne. The following substances are NOT directly associated with this skin problem:

• cleaning your skin with harsh soaps
• eating greasy and sugary foods
• scrubbing your face too hard
• touching your skin with dirty hands.

Although these acne myths are untrue, it’s generally better to avoid the above behaviors.

Acne Symptoms

• blackheads, clogged hair follicles that appear as dark spots on the skin’s surface
• cysts, thicker lumps deep within the hair follicles
• pimples, infected hair follicles that appear as red spots on the skin’s surface
• whiteheads, clogged hair follicles (like blackheads) that appear on the skin’s surface as white, raised bumps.

In general, acne typically affects the following areas of the body:

• back
• chest
• face
• neck
• shoulders.

Acne Treatments

• attacks harmful, acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface
• increases the rate at which skin cells reproduce, ridding the skin’s surface of dead skin cells
• limits the skin’s oil production.

Any combination of the following products is effective acne treatments. Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter products or prescribe stronger medications that are best for you. Possible acne treatments include:

• antibiotics: If bacteria buildup is the cause of your acne, antibiotics (chemical substances that kill bacteria and fungus) are appropriate acne treatments. Typically, doctors suggest using topical creams along with antibiotics for the most effective treatment.
  
  
• birth control pills: Oral contraceptives, such as Yaz® and Ortho Tri-Cyclen®, can regulate teen girls’ and women’s hormones, helping to treat acne caused by hormone fluctuations.
  
  
• isotretinoin: Commonly known by the brand name Accutane®, isotretinoin is a strong medication that can treat acne cysts that don’t respond to antibiotics and other acne treatments. In general, isotretinoin is only prescribed for patients with the most serious cases of acne due to the associated side effects.
  
  Possible side effects include liver damage, raised cholesterol and birth defects (a complication obviously only possible in pregnant women). However, these side effects are usually reversible once patients stop taking this acne medication.
  
  
• topical creams: Lotions and creams, such as Retin-A and Differin, work on the skin’s surface to treat acne. Topical treatments can help remove dead skin cells, soak up excess oil and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. Doctors usually prescribe these acne creams in conjunction with medication that works below the skin’s surface to treat acne.

As you are starting an acne treatment regimen, keep in mind that treatments tend to take a few weeks to months before they are effective. Talk to your doctor about the proper dosages and/or application of your specific acne treatment regimen.

Resources

MayoClinic (updated October 4, 2006). Acne. Retrieved October 29, 2007 from the MayoClinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169/DSECTION=1.