Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. About 95% of teenage boys and 85% of adolescent girls experience acne. While acne often clears by the 20’s, 1 in 5 people, mostly women, continue to be affected into adulthood. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, acne can cause discomfort, scarring, embarrassment and depression. Consequently, treatment is important for the skin and for mental health.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
The exact cause is still being studied. However, research has discovered several key factors, including excess oil, clogging of pores and bacteria. The bacteria and oil mix, causing inflammation. The excess oil is sebum, which increases during adolescence for hormonal reasons. This excess production of oil tends to clog pores. P. acnes, a bacterium found on everyone’s skin, flourishes in the excess oil.
Factors which can trigger acne include genetics, hormones, menstruation, and emotional stress.
HOW DOES DIET AFFECT ACNE?
Acne has commonly been attributed to diet. The association between acne and diet was evaluated in a recent literature review of 27 studies. Observational studies, including two large controlled prospective trials, reported that cow’s milk intake increased acne prevalence and severity. Prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials, also demonstrated a positive association between a high-glycemic-load diet, hormonal mediators, and acne risk. However, studies have been inconclusive regarding the association between acne and other foods.
WHAT TYPES OF ACNE ARE THERE?
There are three main types of acne: comedos (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples and pustules, and cysts or nodules. The type of acne you have depends on the amount of inflammation which develops and whether it is close to the surface of the skin or more deeply situated.
Blackheads and whiteheads are close to the surface and associated with minimal inflammation. Pimples (red bumps) occur if the blockage is a little deeper in the skin. A pus-filled pimple can form if the process is deeper still, with more inflammation. A painful cyst or nodule occurs when the blockage is very deep with intense inflammation.
WHAT ACNE TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Acne is not a direct result of inadequate skin cleansing. That said, skin care is important and can be an important part of your treatment. Please call us to schedule a complimentary skin care consultation with our dedicated Austin acne specialist. Waiting for acne to clear can be frustrating, and acne can lead to permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and depression. There are a variety of treatments which are often effective. Treatment should be tailored to your acne condition and skin type. What worked for your friend may or may not be a good choice for you.
A variety of acne treatment options are available – from benzoyl peroxide to laser options and the new Dusa® BLU-U® system. Although no overnight cures exist, a regimented routine can combat your acne problem. Because your body and skin are unique to you, creating a tailored treatment which addresses your specific needs is vital.
Topical Treatments
Common topical agents used include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, retinoids and salicylic acid. These may be used alone or in conjunction.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are commonly used in managing moderate to severe acne. Oral antibiotics used include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. An oral antibiotic may be used in combination with topical medication.
Cortisone Injections
An injection of cortisone can dramatically speed the healing of an acne cyst or nodule.
Blu-U® Blue Light Therapy
The BLU-U is a unique blue light that kills the P. acnes bacteria in your skin. Treatments are simple – you sit with your face close to the light for a short time at a schedule set up by your doctor, approximately a 17-minute session about once or twice per week. The treatments may go on for five weeks or so. It’s safe, it’s not hot, it’s not painful. After some weeks, the blue light can help control your acne.
The BLU-U® Blue Light is FDA cleared to treat moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. If you have moderate acne and are uncomfortable taking antibiotics or are unhappy with your current treatment results, ask your doctor if BLU-U is right for you.
Other Treatments
Various treatments shown to be useful in managing your complexion include Chemical peels and some laser treatments for acne. Austin dermatologist Dr. Zimmet believes these methods are most effective used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment program. Additionally, Laser treatment can be used for acne scarring.
Accutane (isotretinoin)
This is the only medication approved to treat severe resistant nodular cystic acne, the most severe form of acne. A patient who is pregnant or may become pregnant must not take isotretinoin. The risk of a severe birth defect is extremely high. Both female and male patients must register before taking isotretinoin. This treatment requires regular monitoring by your dermatologist, and is often associated with side effects. Generally, this treatment serves as a last resort.
