What is Acne?
It is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
Acne is most common among teenagers, affecting 40 to 50 million persons of all ages and races.
Five main factors cause acne:
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Excess oil (sebum) production
Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
Bacteria
Inflammation
Air pollution and certain weather conditions, especially high humidity.
How is acne diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can diagnose acne during a skin exam. They may also ask if you’re undergoing significant
stress or if you have a family history of acne, all of which are risk factors. Teenage girls and women may also be asked
about their menstrual cycles, as breakouts are sometimes related. Sudden, severe acne outbreaks in older people
can sometimes signal another underlying disease that requires medical attention.
TYPES
Whiteheads
Blackheads
Pustules
Fungal
Papules
Nodules
Cysts
MEDICINE
Medications applied topically
Benzoyl peroxide
Retinoids
Salicylic acid
(Benzac)
(Vesanoid)
(Compound W)
Medications taken orally
Oral contraceptives
Antibiotics
Isotretinoin
(Natazia)
(Augmentin)
(Absorica)
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Medications applied topically
Medications taken orally
Benzoyl peroxide:
Oral contraceptives:
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It treats and prevents acne by killing bacteria
underneath the skin, as well as helping the pores shed
dead skin cells and excess sebum (oil).
It decreases the circulation of androgens, which decreases
the production of sebum. The pills must contain both
estrogen and progestin to be effective against acne.
Retinoids:
Antibiotics:
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It unclogs pores, allowing other medicated creams and
gels to work better. They also reduce acne outbreaks by
preventing dead cells from clogging pores.
kill bacteria in your skin pores. Oral antibiotics work best
if you start them at high doses. Your doctor will reduce
the dose as your acne gets better. People with mild acne
may need only topical antibiotics.
Salicylic acid:
Isotretinoin:
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It helps the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer
and by decreasing redness and swelling (inflammation).
This decreases the number of pimples that form and
speeds healing.
It shrinks the oil, or sebaceous, glands in the skin. This
reduces the amount of oil that is produced.
SIDE EFFECTS
Medications applied topically
Medications taken orally
Benzoyl peroxide:
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Dry skin
Red or peeling skin
Burning or stinging (skin irritation)
Retinoids:
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Dryness
Tightness
Peeling
Redness
Salicylic acid:
Oral contraceptives:
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Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue)
Weight gain or weight loss.
Antibiotics:
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Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bloating and indigestion.
Abdominal pain.
Loss of appetite.
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Severe headache, ringing in your ears, problems with
hearing and thinking
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Severe stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
Isotretinoin:
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A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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Shortness of breath or severe burning, dryness, or
irritation of the skin.
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Skin becoming more sensitive to sunlight.
Dry eyes, throat, and nose
Headaches and general aches and pains.