Acne

Foods and beverages, such as chocolate, nuts, greasy foods, and cola do not cause acne. If you find that eating certain foods make your acne worse, avoid them.

Acne results when oil ducts below the skin get clogged. Factors that help cause acne include:

• Hormone changes during adolescence, before a female’s menstrual period, or during pregnancy.

• Rich moisturizing lotions. Oily makeup.

• Emotional stress.

• Nutritional supplements that have iodine.

• Medications, such as lithium and corticosteroids.

• Illegal (anabolic) steroids. These are used for muscle-building.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

www.niams.nih.gov

Treatment

Mild acne can be treated with Self-Care / Prevention. When this is not enough, a doctor may prescribe one or more of these 1 medications:

• A topical cream, gel, or liquid with retinoic acid (Retin-A). {Note: Retin-A makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.}

• A topical cream, lotion, or wipe with an antibiotic, such as clindamycin.

• A topical gel with dapsone. A brand name is AczoneTM Gel 5%.

• An antibiotic pill, such as minocycline or tetracycline. {Note: These medicines can make birth control pills less effective and make your skin more sensitive to the sun.}

• For some females, a certain birth control pill.

• Isotretinoin. Brand names are Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis. This medicine is usually prescribed for severe acne. {Note: This medicine can have serious side effects. These include bone and fracture problems, severe birth defects, depression, psychosis, aggressive and/or violent behaviors, and suicide.}

Treatments Other Than Medications

• Chemical peels.

• Laser treatments.

• Surgery for acne scarring.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

Are you taking isotretinoin and are you planning suicide or making suicidal gestures? Or, do you have repeated thoughts of suicide or death?

Get medical care without delay. If symptoms are life threatening go to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t call 9-1-1 or use the ER if symptoms do not threaten life. Ask your doctor ahead of time where you should go for a problem that needs prompt care, but not emergency care.

Question 2

Is your acne very bad and do you have signs of an infection, such as a fever and swelling at the acne site?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 3

Do you have any of these problems?

• The acne results in scarring.

• The pimples are big and painful or widespread.

• The acne causes a lot of emotional embarrassment.

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 4

Have you tried self-care and it doesn’t help or does it make your skin worse?

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Keep your skin clean. Gently wash your skin, where the acne appears, twice a day. Use a mild soap, such as Neutrogena. Use a clean washcloth every time. Work the soap into your skin gently for 1 to 2 minutes and rinse well. Don’t scrub.

• Don’t squeeze, scratch, or poke at pimples. They can get infected and leave scars.

• Wash after you exercise or sweat.

• Use an over-the- counter lotion or cream that has benzoyl peroxide. (Some people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide. Try a little on your arm first to make sure it doesn’t hurt your skin.) Follow the directions as listed.

• Use only oil-free and water-based makeups. Don’t use greasy or oil-based creams, lotions, or makeups.

• For males, wrap a warm towel around your face before you shave. Shave along the natural grain of the beard.

• Don’t spend too much time in the sun especially if you take antibiotics for acne. Don’t use sun lamps.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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