Acne 

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Factors That Can Make The Situation Worse

Factors that can cause an acne flare include:

• Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts
• Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats)
• Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms
• Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
• Squeezing or picking at blemishes
• Hard scrubbing of the skin
• Stress.

Myths About the Causes ...

There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on the development and course of the ailment in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes it, however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn't cause blemishes, but research suggests that for people who already have it, stress can make it worse.

Who Gets This Problem ?

People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. An estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have outbreaks at some point. For most people, the annoyance tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.

How Is It Treated?

Skin disorders are often treated by dermatologists. These doctors treat all kinds of acne, particularly severe cases. Doctors who are general or family practitioners, pediatricians, or internists may treat patients with milder cases.

The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this disease. Drug treatment is aimed at reducing several problems :

• abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles
• increased oil production
• bacteria
• inflammation.

If you have had acne problems for a while now, you may have developed some acne scars.  There are many procedures that can help you - see your physician for more information.  All medicines can have side effects. Some medicines and side effects are mentioned in this booklet. Some side effects may be more severe than others. You should review the package insert that comes with your medicine and ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about the possible side effects.

Depending on the extent of the problem, the doctor may recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and/or prescription medicines.  Some of these medicines may be topical (applied to the skin), and others may be oral (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using more than one topical medicine or combining oral and topical medicines.

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Acnezine