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What Is It?
Acne is a common skin condition caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and oil-producing
(sebaceous) glands of the skin. Hair follicles are the tiny tubes that hold the hair in the scalp.
Acne may begin during puberty, and affects about 80 percent of all adolescents. It occurs when
skin cells are not being shed normally, and these sticky cells block the skin's hair follicles. This
traps a body oil called sebum, which is produced by nearby sebaceous glands. The blocked, oil-
filled follicle then causes the bacteria normally in the hair follicles to multiply. This leads to
inflammation, redness and the formation of pimples (pustules).
In adolescents, acne flare-ups probably are related to a natural increase in androgen hormones
during the teen years. Hereditary factors also contribute to the problem. Other factors that can
lead to acne include the use of oily cosmetics, humidity, heavy sweating, and problems with the
ovaries or adrenal glands. Acne also can be triggered by drugs such as lithium or steroids, both
the type that are prescribed by physicians and potentially harmful "body-building" steroids, Acne
is not related to diet or poor hygiene. In fact, too much washing can cause an acne flare-up to get
worse.
Symptoms
Acne can cause:
Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) — Comedones are enlarged hair
follicles filled with sebum. Blackheads are comedones that have opened to the
skin's surface. The color of the sebum makes them appear black.
Whiteheads are comedones that are closed on the surface.
Pimples (pustules) — Pustules are inflamed hair follicles. The bacteria in the
follicle multiply, attracting infection-fighting cells, which release substances that
cause irritation and redness. The follicle then ruptures, and spills the contents
into the surrounding skin, which causes more inflammation.
Nodules and cysts — These are larger infections of the hair follicles that extend
deeper into the skin, forming firm, deep bumps and swellings. Like pimples, they are
caused by increased sebum production and the growth of bacteria, which cause
irritation and redness.
In girls and women, acne often flares up during the menstrual cycle or ovulation.
Diagnosis
Acne can be diagnosed based on a simple physical examination. We look for acne comedones,
pustules, nodules and cysts on your face, chest, back, upper arms and shoulders. We also will
ask questions about your medical history to try to identify contributing factors. You will be asked
about your menstrual history, patterns of hair growth, cosmetics, facial cleansers and
medications.
Expected Duration
Acne flare-ups may occur at any time after puberty, but are more common during the teen years.
Adult acne or rosacea is another type of acne which occurs in patients beginning in their twenties
and well into their forties.
Prevention
Unfortunately, acne cannot be prevented if it is going to develop. It's helpful to remember that
acne develops in most people and is a normal part of maturing hormonally. However, some
people are more prone to developing acne.
Treatment
Dr. Rubinstein develops an individualized program for each patient. The treatment for acne
includes a combination of the following methods:
Salicylic acid washes — These washes help to empty comedones of sebum.
Benzoyl peroxide gels — These medications are applied to the skin as a thin film. They dry
and peel the skin, fight the growth of bacteria, and help to clear blocked hair follicles. Some are
available in weaker over-the-counter lotions. If these don't work, your doctor can prescribe the
stronger and more effective gel forms.
Tretinoin (Retin-A) — This is applied to the skin as a cream, gel or liquid. It helps to clear
the skin of plugged follicles by increasing the turnover of skin cells. Because it also increases the
skin's sensitivity to sunlight, tretinoin should be used with a sunscreen.
Antibiotics — Clindamycin (Cleocin) and erythromycin (several brand names) can be applied
directly to the skin to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
If these topical treatments fail, acne is treated next with oral antibiotics (usually tetracyclines) or
isotretinoin (Accutane). However, these medications can have side effects and therefore are
available only by prescription. Also, because isotretinoin causes birth defects, women on the
medication who are sexually active must use contraception to make absolutely sure they do not
become pregnant either during the four months of Accutane treatment or for one month after
treatment.
Laser Acne Therapy and PhotoDynamic Acne Therapy (PDT) — An agent called
Levulon is applied to the skin for one hour. The skin is then treated with Intense Pulsed Light or
Blue Light Laser. The treatment is repeated three to five times. This treatment costs between
$350 and $650 per treatment, however, acne is resolved for approximately one year and future
breakouts are reduced. Skin texture and tone are also dramatically improved contributing to the
success of PDT . This treatment is used for moderate to severe acne patients.
When To Call A Professional
Call a dermatologist if you or your child has acne that is not controlled with over-the-counter
washes or gels. Remember that in teen-agers, the amount of acne may not be a true gauge of
the impact of the problem on a child's life. Even small amounts of acne can be embarrassing and
psychologically painful to young people.
On the other hand, if you perceive your child's acne as a problem and he or she does not, be
patient. You cannot force him or her to want treatment. As friends mature and there are changes
in attitude about acne and acne treatment, your child likely will approach you about seeing a
doctor.
Prognosis
Acne almost always can be controlled with medication, although results may not be seen for
weeks or months. For example, most medicines that are applied to the skin (topical) work within
four to eight weeks. Tretinoin may show peak results in three to six months. Laser acne
treatment may work faster.
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(818) 505-9300
