Acne refers to a mix or range of different skin irregularities including blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.
Acne is the most common dermatological condition for both men and women of all ages, irrespective of race or ethnicity. Although teenagers are more susceptible to acne, some adults can be affected even if they were acne-free in their youth.
Men and women are affected about equally, but in different ways. Young men are more prone to more severe, enduring forms of acne, while women are more prone to intermittent acne associated with both the use of cosmetics and with hormonal changes linked to their menstrual cycle.
Even though acne is not life threatening, it’s cosmetically unpleasant and, in both moderate and severe cases, can lead to permanent scarring. The best way to avoid such scarring is early treatment. The majority of acne conditions can be controlled with non-prescription treatments; however, some require more advanced treatment by a doctor.
Acne is a result of the skin’s production of large amounts of oil, and an inability to bring this oil to the surface effectively due to blockage of the pores (or ducts) by dead skin cells. The skin becomes its oiliest during puberty as the hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to enlarge and produce more sebum (oil). The male hormones mostly responsible for this at puberty and beyond are found in both males and females, but more abundant in males. Acne is also a factor of family history.
Acne can also be exacerbated by oily cosmetics, certain medications such as some antibiotics, menstruation, emotional stress or your environment.
Even though some people believe that certain foods aggravate their acne, extensive scientific studies have found little connection between diet and acne. There is some evidence that high GI foods (highly refined sugars) may aggravate acne. If your acne is being treated properly, these foods should not cause or exacerbate your condition.
Acne is caused by the oil generated by the glands beneath the surface of the skin and not by dirt or surface skin oils. Therefore, vigorous washing and scrubbing does not assist in the treatment of acne, instead it can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Dermatologists recommend gently washing the affected areas twice a day with mild cleanser and warm water and then gently pat the skin dry. This helps to remove dead skin, dirt and excess surface oil. Washing in this way should be done in conjunction with an acne treatment.The light application of makeup can temporarily hide acne but heavy makeup should be avoided as it can also irritate your skin and make acne worse. Use oil-free, non-pore-clogging (non-comedogenic) cosmetics and toiletries for your skin and hair.
The stress of day-to-day living is not a major contributing factor in the onset of acne, although it can worsen pre-existing acne. Occasionally, acne can be a side effect of drugs prescribed to treat extreme cases of stress. In such cases, consult with your doctor to discuss the possibility of an alternative treatment.
Tanning does not clear acne it simply hides it. Excessive exposure to sunlight or tanning booths increases the chance of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. Some acne treatments increase the skin’s sensitivity to the ultraviolet light from sun lamps and tanning booths, so it is unwise to combine these treatments. Protection from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen or covering up with clothes is even more important if you have acne.
Specialised light treatments with specified light wavelengths have proven to be effective in the treatment of acne. These treatments do not contain the ultraviolet rays of natural sunshine and solariums and therefore do not carry the threat of skin cancer.
You should never do this as it drives germs deeper into the pores and may cause the oil glands to rupture (burst), potentially increasing the inflammation. If blackhead or whitehead removal is needed, it should be performed by an experienced health care professional with the appropriate instruments to avoid bruising or rupturing of the skin.
There is no single treatment for acne that works for everyone as many factors need to be considered including the person’s age, skin type, motivation and lifestyle, as well as the kind of acne present, the causes of the acne and any co-existing conditions.Your medical practitioner will assist you to create your own customised plan to effectively combat your acne. Commence treatment early to avoid the possibility of acne scarring and be patient to give acne treatments sufficient time to take effect. Generally speaking, it takes at least six to eight weeks before you will begin to see any improvement.
Non-prescription and prescriptive treatments such as topical antibiotics, retinoids, and others such as azelaic acid and beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid) can be effective. However, combinations of non-prescription medications can have side effects; so avoid combining medications unless otherwise directed by a dermatologist or other medical practitioner.
Oral medications can be an effective option in the treatment of acne. However, seek advice from your doctor to discuss the course of treatment most appropriate for you:
Oral contraceptives for moderate and severe acne in women, Hormonal therapies for moderate and severe acne in women, Isotretinoin for severe acne — one of the most effective and potent remedies for severe acne, it has many adverse side effects. So for some, such as those prone to depression, it is not a treatment option.
Non-UV light therapy yields excellent results with few discernable side effects. They emit the exact wavelength required to clear most acne and being free of ultra-violet light, there is no risk of skin damage or any incidence of skin cancer.Non-UV light therapy is perfect for those with very long-term milder acne that has failed to respond to other remedies or who want a natural treatment with minimal adverse side effects. It is generally more effective than topical treatments or oral antibiotics and is a good alternative for those for whom Isotretinoin is not an option or whose acne hasn’t responded to Isotretinoin.
Non-ablative resurfacing Acne laser treatments produce infrared waves. These bypass the epidermis and selectively heat acne lesions, mildly tightening the skin to reduce the appearance of acne scars. These infrared systems have also been found to be highly effective in combatting acne by reducing the size and activity of sebaceous glands, inhibiting the production of skin oil.
For more information on Acne and other Skin Care services, contact our Clinic here at Foley Dermatology & Associates.
(03) 9508 0600
(03) 9037 7013
© 2024 Foley Dermatology & Associates. All Right Reserved
