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 or zits. 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. 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 list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called 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.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.
  
  
• Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation, which is redness, pain, and swelling.
  
  
• 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 your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

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 have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• 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 get pregnant.
  
  
• Your acne is not getting better after treatment or your acne is getting worse.
  
  
• Your acne has pus coming out of it or has a bad smell.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page