Causes

Acne is often caused by hormonal activity. An increase in hormones can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum (oil), which can lead to plugged pores and outbreaks of pimples. Heredity can play a role in the development of acne. Certain medications may also cause acne. For most people, acne is not caused by food, dirt on the skin, cosmetics, or stress.

Types of Acne

• Blackheads are large clogged pores. They are a black or grayish-brown due to chemical changes in the waxy plug in the pore, not because of dirt. Blackheads can sometimes be removed by a doctor.
• Whiteheads are clogged pores with only a tiny opening. They are not easily removed without a doctor’s assistance.
• Pustules, or pimples, are white or yellow bumps that result when the pore’s contents leak into the surrounding skin. Squeezing a red pimple can increase the leakage and make the pimple larger.
• Cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.

Treatment

Most cases of acne can be treated with over-the-counter lotions, creams, or gels. Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are common ingredients used in these medications. Benzoyl peroxide helps kill the bacteria that cause acne. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads.

If over-the-counter medications aren’t helpful, your doctor may recommend a prescription medication:

• Lotions, creams, or gels containing tretinoin (commonly called Retin-A) help stop pimples from forming by preventing the pore from clogging.
• Antibiotics work by inhibiting bacteria and reducing inflammation.
• Severe cases of acne can be treated with a capsule containing isotretinoin (Accutane). This medicine does have side effects, however, and cannot be taken by women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the near future.

Regular use of topical acne medications, perhaps combined with medication prescribed by your doctor, can help you avoid outbreaks and potential scarring.

Self-Care

Use these steps to care for acne and prevent further outbreaks.

• Gently wash your face once or twice daily with a mild soap. Avoid excessive or rough face washing.
• Shampoo your hair daily.
• Apply an over-the-counter acne medication to the affected area daily or as directed. If your skin becomes excessively dry, decrease use to every 2 to 3 days.
• Use moisturizers, makeup, and sunscreens that are noncomedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores.
• Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes.