Acne

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is one of the most common skin problems. It occurs when the pores on the surface of the skin become plugged. A pore is an opening of a hair follicle (root) and an oil gland. When the oil glands make too much sebum (grease), the pores may get blocked. This allows dirt to collect, which encourages the growth of bacteria (germs) in the glands. When these bacteria release toxic substances, it can produce irritation and inflammation (swelling) of the skin. This causes painful bumps or lumps, which are commonly called pimples. Acne is more likely to occur if you have another family member who has had an acne problem. Puberty, infections, stress, certain medicines, or cosmetics may also cause acne.
  
  
• The signs and symptoms of acne usually depend on the type of acne that you have. Acne may be mild, moderate, or severe, and is usually found on the face, chest, and back. The most common type of acne is comedones, which are blackheads or whiteheads. Comedones, or plugs, are blocked pores having blackheads or whiteheads on their surface. Blackheads turn dark, or black, because pores are open to the air, while whiteheads are cream-colored and are in closed pores.
  
  
• Other types of acne are small, pink to reddish in color, painful bumps which are near the surface of the skin. Nodular acne is large, hard, painful pimples that are pus-filled and lie deep below the skin. Acne is diagnosed by a careful examination of your skin. Cultures may also be done to help diagnose acne. Treatment includes medicines, such as antibiotics, antiseptics, retinoids, laser therapy, or surgery. With treatment, such as medicine and good hygiene, complications may be prevented and your acne may be controlled.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Hormonal therapies: Medicines, such as oral contraceptives and androgen blockers, may control the production of sebum in the oil glands.
  
  
• Isotretinoins: These are vitamin-based medicines, which are most useful in treating severe acne. These medicines may have serious side effects. It is important to ask your caregiver for more information before using isotretinoins. Females must not get pregnant or breast feed while using this medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Topicals: Topicals are medicines, such as gels, ointments, creams, pastes, or liquid solutions that are put on your skin. They may be antiseptics (germ-killers), comedone treatments, or medicines that decrease swelling and skin shedding. Do not apply medicine on skin other than the skin being treated. If you do, wash it off right away with soap and water. If the medicine gets on your clothes, wash your clothes right away.
  
  
• Do not apply medicine on skin other than the skin being treated. If you do, wash it off right away with soap and water. If the medicine gets on your clothes, wash your clothes right away.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Diet:

Eat healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat, and fish. Caregivers may recommend that you eat cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. There is no proof that eating certain foods will make your acne worse. Some people feel that foods, such as chocolate or greasy foods, may cause a flare-up of acne. Do not eat certain foods if you think that these may cause you to have more acne.

Skin care:

• Avoid using hot water or washcloths when washing your face: Rubbing or scrubbing your face with hot water or washcloths may irritate and damage your skin. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel or cloth after washing your face.
  
  
• Be careful with the medicines you are taking: Certain medicines, including natural and herbal medicines, may trigger an acne flare-up. Always check for skin changes when taking your medicines. Ask your caregiver first before you use herbal medicines or products to control acne.
  
  
• Do not squeeze, pop, or pick your pimples: Using your bare hands or black head removers may damage your skin and cause infection or scarring. Sometimes, a caregiver may remove a pimple for you. This is done in a clean and germ-free way that will not hurt your skin.
  
  
• Protect your skin by avoiding too much sun exposure: Wear sunscreen that has a sun protectant factor (SPF) approved by your caregiver. Follow the directions on the label when using sunscreen.
  
  
• Try to avoid stress: You may talk to your family or friends about things that upset you. Tell them how acne may be affecting your life.
  
  
• Use water-based, oil-free makeup, soaps, or skin cleansers. Oil-based makeup may cause acne to get worse. Check product labels on water-based makeup, since even these may have some oil added to them. Use mild soaps or cleansers that are oil-free and do not irritate acne when washing your face.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are a female using medicine to treat acne, and you want to get pregnant, or you get pregnant.
  
  
• You are a female using medicine to treat acne, and you have sex without using 2 forms of birth control, or you miss a period.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you have problems with your vision, or dryness of the eyes that is painful or constant.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and your eyes get red and swollen, or you get a rash, blisters, red patches or your skin begins to peel, or if you get bruises on your legs. Call if you get sores on your face or in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you get very thirsty or urinate a lot.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your acne is not getting better after treatment or your acne is getting worse.
  
  
• You do not feel good about yourself because of your acne.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your skin disease, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you have chest pain or new or worsening heartburn.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you get a severe (very bad) headache, blurred vision, faintness or dizziness. Seek care immediately if you begin to throw up or you have a seizure.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you develop hives, a swollen face or mouth, or you have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you have severe stomach, bowel or pelvic pain, or painful or difficulty swallowing. Seek care immediately if you have rectal bleeding, loose watery stools that may contain blood, or dark-colored urine. Get immediate help if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you have new muscle weakness, joint or back pain, or you break a bone.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you are seeing or hearing things that are not really there, including ringing in your ears, or if your hearing gets worse.
  
  
• You are using medicine to treat acne, and you begin to have angry or violent thoughts.
  
  
• You feel depressed (very sad), or you are thinking about hurting or killing yourself.
  
  
• Your acne has pus coming out of it or has a bad smell.
  
  
• You have signs of a stroke: The following signs are an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you have any of the following:
  
  
  • Weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face (may be on only one side of your body)
    
    
  • Confusion and problems speaking or understanding speech
    
    
  • A very bad headache that may feel like the worst headache of your life
    
    
  • Not being able to see out of one or both of your eyes
    
    
  • Feeling too dizzy to stand

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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