Self Care (Acne)

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the oil-secreting glands in the skin are clogged and become inflamed or infected.

Classification of Acne

Acne can be classified into three categories for the purposes of tre atment: comedonal, inflammatory and nodulocystic. Comedonal acne co nsists predominantly of open or closed comedones with little or no accompanying inflammation (Figure 3). This type of acne typical ly responds to topical keratolytic agents that decrease the cohesiveness of the follicular cells. Erythematous papules and pustules characterize inflammatory acne, but comedones may also be present (Figure 4). Topical agents alone may be insufficient to treat inflammatory acne, which may benefit from systemic antibiotics. Nodulocystic acne may consist of comedones and inflammatory lesions, as well as deeper nodules and cysts (Figure 5). Although a six-month course of systemic antibiotics may be effective, nodulocystic acne frequently requires treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane). Before the initiation of isotretinoin therapy, however, patients should be evaluated for other causes of antibiotic treatment failure. Unusual causes of recalcitrant acne include drug-induced acne, tropical acne, acne conglobata and acne fulminans.

Symptoms

Acne is a common skin condition of the face, chest, and/or back that may include whiteheads, blackheads, red pimples, pustules and possibly small lumps (cysts).

Causes

Skin pores or hair follicles contain oil glands that keep your hair and skin moisturized. Acne is caused by excess oil or clogged oil ducts. Hormone changes, lotions/make-up, bacteria on the skin, stress, some medications and heredity all contribute to acne.

Self-Care

• Keep your face and hair clean
• Picking or squeezing pimples can worsen the condition
• Try over-the-counter acne medicine with benzoyl peroxide
• Use oil-free lotions and make-up
• If your acne is not controlled with the above or causes scars or cysts, see a healthcare provider for prescription medication