| MYTH #1:Acne is
caused by uncleanliness.
Dirt does not cause acne. Acne is an inflammatory
disorder. We all know the signs: blackheads, pimples, purple
discoloration, and/or painful cysts in the skin. Material in the
follicles gets stuck or clogged. Bacteria break down fatty acids
leaving behind inflammatory substances. These processes can cause
the follicle wall to break. The substances in the follicle then leak
out and cause more inflammation. The cause is most commonly
hormonal. When babies get acne, it’s at the time when there is a
rise in testosterone. The same reason explains teenage acne. |
chest also,
if they are affected) with an acne cleanser such as benzoyl peroxide
or salicylic acid immediately after exercising. Get all the dirt and
sweat off. Then apply a topical acne medication.
MYTH #2: You will naturally outgrow acne.
Hormones continue to ebb and flow throughout life
and so do acne breakouts. Left untreated, acne can leave physical
(and emotional) scars. Acne can range from mild to severe. Mild acne
is manifested as blackheads and whiteheads. As acne gets more
severe, red bumps called papules develop. In the most severe cases, |
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Light chemical
peels, which are often associated with reducing the appearance
of wrinkles, are another treatment that can improve the acne
itself, lessen discoloration, and diminish scarring. |
If all these treatments fail, Accutane may be
appropriate. Accutane is a very strong medication with a multitude
of possible side effects. It is used with great caution and with
full consent of the patient and the |
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deep, painful cysts
develop under the skin.
MYTH #3:
Drying the skin under the sun will cure a breakout.
While there is some semblance of truth in this wive’s
tale, with the advances in dermatology, it is certainly not a
preferred treatment — and it can cause premature wrinkling and
skin cancer. More times than |
parents, in the case of a minor. The most serious side effect is
birth defects found in babies whose mothers were on Accutane during
the pregnancy. Pregnancy tests are run before and during Accutane
therapy. Birth control is required. More than one form of birth
control is recommended.
With so many good treatments for acne, long term
scarring can be avoided. Acne should be taken seriously and treated.
Begin treatment with over the counter medications. However, if the
acne continues or worsens, appropriate |
| Hormones are again the cause of acne in
men and women in their twenties, thirties, forties, and even
fifties. Genetics can be a predictor of severe acne as well, but we
all know families where parents didn’t have acne, but the children
do. In large studies, no foods were implicated as causing acne
either. However, some people find that specific foods make acne
worse. The greatest culprits include milk products, nuts, fatty
foods, and chocolate.
Stress can make acne worse but usually does not
cause it. The same can be said about exercise. If you are acne
prone, you may notice your acne is worse when you exercise. The
summer humidity can also make it worse. You can reduce your chance
of a breakout by washing your face (back and |
not, mild acne can often be controlled
with over the counter benzoyl peroxide cleansers, gels, and
salicylic acid cleansers. If the acne gets more
severe, your dermatologist may recommend prescription medications.
These medications are aimed at the specific mechanism taking place
in the skin. Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac are topical medications that
work to keep the follicles unclogged. Benzyol peroxide and
antibiotics kill the bacteria that break down the fatty acids.
Antibiotics also reduce the inflammation. Although antibiotics can
be topical or oral, more severe acne usually requires oral
antibiotics. Some people are afraid of taking antibiotics to reduce
acne because they fear that overuse of an antibiotic might reduce
its affect on other infections. There is no need to worry, however;
there are many antibiotics that can be used. |
prescription and treatments
can minimize the long-term effects. Don’t let acne myths keep you
from the complexion you deserve!
Janice F. Moranz, M.D.
Dr. Moranz is a dermatologist in solo private practice in
Albuquerque. Call 880-1920 to set up an appointment or consultation
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