Pimples

Other names: Acne, Blackheads, Whiteheads

DEFINITION

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne usually appears on your face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Effective treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up. Acne is most common among teenagers, with a reported prevalence of 70 to 87 percent. Increasingly, younger children are getting acne as well. Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of lasting physical and emotional damage.

SYMPTOMS

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores — the oil turns brown when it is exposed to air)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)

When to see a doctor: If home care remedies don't work to clear up your acne, see your primary care doctor. He or she can prescribe stronger medications. If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in the skin (dermatologist).

CAUSES

1. Oil production
2. Dead skin cells
3. Clogged pores
4. Bacteria

Factors that may worsen Acne:

• Hormones
• Certain medications
• Diet
• Stress

Acne myths:

• Greasy foods
• Dirty skin
• Cosmetics

Risk Factors for Acne:

• Hormonal changes
• Family history
• Greasy or oily substances
• Friction or pressure on your skin
• Stress

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Make an appointment with your doctor if self-care and over-the-counter treatments aren't effective.

Treatment and Drugs: Various medications and therapies are available based on the type and severity of acne.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Tips for managing acne at home include washing affected areas twice a day and using non-oily makeup.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Some supplements like tea tree oil and alpha hydroxy acid may help treat acne.

COPING AND SUPPORT

Acne can affect self-esteem; talking with family or seeking support can be beneficial.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the main causes of acne?

Oil production, Dead skin cells, Clogged pores, Bacteria

2. When should you see a doctor for acne?

If home care remedies don't work

3. What are some lifestyle tips for managing acne?

Wash affected areas only twice a day

4. Are there any alternative medicines that may help treat acne?

Yes, supplements like tea tree oil and alpha hydroxy acid

5. Can stress worsen acne?

Yes

6. What are some common symptoms of acne?

Whiteheads, Blackheads, Pimples

7. How do topical medications for acne work?

By reducing oil production and fighting bacterial infection

8. What factors may worsen existing cases of acne?

Hormones, Certain medications, Diet, Stress

9. How can you prevent new breakouts of acne?

By using non-oily makeup and washing affected areas twice a day

10. What should you do if over-the-counter products haven't cleared up your acne?

See a doctor for prescription medications or other therapies