The Ongoing Battle of Acne

Acne Vulgaris, generally known as “acne” has been named one of the most common skin diseases in the United States. Acne affects over fifty million Americans every single year and over 650 million people worldwide, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Acne has been discovered to be a major source of embarrassment to teenagers and adults. Different studies revealed that teenagers and young adults suffering from acne develop feelings of helplessness and embarrassment. These feelings often lead to low self-esteem, which affects the individual’s social interaction with others.

How does acne form?

Acne occurs when the hair follicle is blocked with oil or dirt. The buildup of oil and dead skin in the hair follicle produces bacteria, which forces the skin to become inflamed. Acne can appear in different forms such as white heads, black heads, and pimples on areas of the body with sebaceous glands such as the neck, face, shoulders, back, and chest.

What are major causes of acne?

• Production of Excess Androgens: These are hormones that increase in children throughout adolescence. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce excess sebum. These hormonal changes are also seen during pregnancy.
• Bacteria: It is important to keep your skin clean to prevent bacteria from causing unwanted blemishes.
• Stress: A key component to getting any health-related issues under control is managing stress properly.  
• Poor Diet: Dairy, carbohydrates, and sugar are all known ingredients that can cause or make acne worse.
• Select Medications: Side effects are unavoidable when it comes to taking specific medications. Examples of medications that can cause breakouts are: corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.

The most common acne types:

• Hormonal Acne primarily develops around the jawline and chin. It is caused by the excessive activity of androgen hormones.
• Inflammatory Acne surfaces as red and inflamed skin. it makes teenager uncomfortable.
• Bacteria Acne is a type of acne that is caused by the accumulation of bacteria.
• Acne Cosmetica is caused by the use of irritating cosmetic products.
• Cyclical Acne is a type of acne that appears a week before one’s monthly menstruation cycle.
• Systematic Acne is caused by medication, sickness, and excessive stress.

Basic skin practices that may heal or prevent acne struggle:

• Diligently and gently wash your face at least twice daily – morning and night.
• Talk to your doctor about using benzoyl peroxide and/ or salicylic acid for exfoliation.
• Apply a cream that contains sulfur on the affected spots at night.
• Apply water-based makeups.
• Keep your skin moisturized.

Believe it or not!

• Over washing your skin is bad! As a matter of fact, scrubbing and cleaning your skin with harsh soap most times can worsen acne.
• People believe that acne can be worsened by the use of makeup. Using an oil-free makeup that allows your skin to breathe can help keep your skin drive throughout the day. Please keep in mind that acne could be worsened by irritating makeups with containing bad ingredients.

Treating acne takes diligence, perseverance, and patience. It might take weeks, months, or even longer to completely get rid of it. Please call Dr. Dharia and his team at Palm Beach Internal Medicine if you are interested in taking the first steps to getting your acne under control and creating a custom plan for your needs.