1What causes acne ?
cne commonly starts in the early teen years, when the oil glands in the body start making more sebum (oil). Some people also have too many "sticky" skin cells. In people with acne, these cells mix with the oil and plug up the hair follicles in the skin.
These plugs trap bacteria in the follicles, which can causes the follicles to swell. Tender red bumps are the result. If the follicle wall breaks near the skin surface, these bumps can develop into pimples.
2What are the things that often make acne worse?
Oil-based makeup, suntan oil, hair gels and sprays
Stress
Menstruation in girls
Squeezing or picking at blemishes
Too much exposure to the sun
3What are the things that don't cause acne?
Dirt
Foods such as chocolate or french fries
4Who gets acne?
Both boys and girls get acne. But it may be worse in boys because they have more skin oils. Heredity also plays a role. If your mother and father had bad acne, you may too. Your immune system plays a role too. some people are extra sensitive to the bacteria that get trapped in their hair follicles.
5What kind of blemishes are there?
A "whitehead" results when the follicle is plugged with oil and skin cells. If this plug reaches the surface of the skin and the air touches it, it turns black and is called a "blackhead." A blackhead isn't caused by dirt. If the wall of a plugged follicle break, the area swells and tums into a red bump. If wall breaks near the skin surface, the bump usually becomes a pimple. If the wall breaks deep in the skin, acne nodules or cysts can form. This is called cystic acne.
6How can acne be treated ?
Acne can be treated in different ways. The main thing to remember is that it will take about 2 months of treatment before your skin starts to look better. Talk with your doctor about the options.
7 What can my doctor prescribe?
Depending on the grade of disease your doctor may recommend antibiotics, which can be very effective for treating acne. These can be taken orally or used on the skin as a lotion, cream or gel. There are several other topical medication to be applied on face, but they may cause strong reaction hence should be taken under doctor's supervis…
8Does acne cause scars?
Acne, especially cystic acne, can cause scars in some people.
You can help reduce scarring by not squeezing or picking at blemishes. Also, avoid scrubbing your skin. Gentle washing is better. If you do get scars, treatment is available.
9What can be done to avoid scarring?
Meticulous treatment of acne along with procedures like comedo - extraction, cryo-slush, cryo-peel, chemical peel and micro-dermabresion may prevent as well improve the existing scars of acne.
10What can be done to treat the scars of acne?
Acne scars can be treated with various surgical options like subscission, punch excision, LASER assisted resurfacing and collagen induction therapy.
This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your doctor.
