| Friday, September 10, 2010
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| Q: My 14-year-old says that acne is not caused by chocolate. I always thought it was. Is he right? |
A: Yes, your son is correct. In fact, there are a number of misconceptions that have been handed down for years about the causes of acne. Among others, the following myths can be dispelled:
- Greasy foods, nuts, and chocolate do not cause acne. There is no need for dietary restrictions.
- Acne is not caused by dirt. Washing the face more often than normally is not necessary.
- Acne is not caused by sexual activity of any kind.
Acne is characterized by blackheads (comedones), whiteheads, and red areas of localized inflammation. It is now known that the cause of acne is the result of several factors.
- Hormones that at the time of puberty increase the oil production of glands located in the skin.
- Plugging of the glands by the increased oil creating the blackheads and whiteheads.
- Plugging leads to bacterial growth and chemical substances, which inflame the skin and cause the painful red bumps.
- Moisturizers and oil-based make-ups exacerbate acne.
- Genetics-there is an inherited tendency toward acne that occurs in families.
Treatment of acne is directed at its cause, namely decreasing oil production, unplugging the glands, and killing the bacteria. This can be accomplished by:
- Gentle washing with a mild soap in the morning and before bedtime.
- Avoidance of squeezing the pimples.
- Use of only water based cosmetics, or none at all.
- Medications such as 5% benzoyl peroxide gel or lotion.
- Stronger topical medications, which cause peeling and oral antibiotics for more severe cases, should be used under the close supervision of the dermatologist or primary care physician.
- Intralesional injection treatment of inflamed cystic acne, more powerful medications and chemical peels for superficial scars should be prescribed and supervised by dermatologists in the most severe cases not responding to other treatments.
Acne is a time-limited disorder and disappears spontaneously by the late teens or early twenties. It is rare for acne to persist beyond that time or to leave any scarring.
| -- Take Home Message -- |
| In the vast majority, acne is a mild or moderate skin disorder that responds nicely to front line topical agents, such as the benzoyl peroxide preparations and good skin care. Some patients may require long-term antibiotic treatment or stronger topical agents. For severe acne, or when there is an inadequate response to first line topical agents the primary care clinician often refers to a dermatologist. |
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| Dr. Katz Home. |
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