The Problem Of Acne

By Margarita Nahapetyan

Acne is typically a problem of adolescents that commonly starts in the early teen years when the oil glands in the body start producing more sebum (oil). The condition affects more than 85 per cent of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. The cause in adolescence is generally an increase in male sex hormones, which increase in individuals of both genders during puberty.

Both boys and girls get acne. However, it may be worse in boys because they have more skin oils. Heredity also may play a role. If at least one of your parents had bad acne, you may have it as well. Another factor that can contribute to the condition is your immune system. The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne as well. Things that often make acne worse are oil-based makeup, suntan oil and some hair products, stress, hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, squeezing or picking at blemishes and hard scrubbing of the skin.

For most people, acne diminishes over time and is likely to disappear - or at the very least decrease - after one reaches his/her early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer well into their thirties, forties and beyond. Aside from scarring, the main effects of the condition are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and, according to at least one study, depression or suicide.

Many treatments are available for acne, including over-the-counter creams and prescription drugs. It is always better to consult your dermatologist to figure out which options will work best for you. Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur are the most popular medications to treat acne that are available over the counter. These drugs are available in different forms, such as gels, lotions, creams, soaps or pads. However, some of them may cause side effects and lead to skin irritation, burning or redness. Notify your doctor if severe side effects occur and do not fade away over some time.

Do not expect any medication to start producing immediate results and remember that it can take up to two months before an improvement in your skin becomes noticeable. If after eight weeks an over the counter acne product does not produce any positive results, get advice from your doctor. The doctor may prescribe some antibiotic drugs, many of which can be very effective for treating an unpleasant condition. They can be taken orally or administered to the skin in a form of a lotion, cream or gel. Retinoids, such as tretinoin (brand names: Retin-A, Avita, Altinac cream) and adapalene (brand name: Differin), are usually rubbed onto the skin just one time during a day. Areas near your eyes, mouth and the area under your nose must be avoided. Retinoids boost the risk of getting a very bad sunburn and therefore, you should avoid spending a lot of time under the sun or using sunscreen lotions.

Another stronger medication, isotretinoin (brand name: Accutane) is usually used for the treatment of severe cystic acne that does not show any improvement with other treatments. It is produced in the form of a pill that is taken once a day by mouth for the period between fifteen to wenty weeks. Isotretinoin should never be taken during pregnancy as it can lead to harmful consequences such as birth defects and miscarriages. There is a possibility that other serious side effects may happen, so individuals who are taking isotretinoin should be closely monitored by their doctor.