Acne

Disease	Injury	Nutrition	Poison

Special Topic	Surgery	Symptoms	Test

Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

Blackheads (comedones)

Blackheads (comedones) close-up

Acne, cystic on the chest

Acne, cystic on the face

Acne, vulgaris on the back

Acne, close-up of cysts on the back

Acne, cystic on the back

Acne

Alternative Names:

Acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples

Treatment:

Treatment is designed to prevent further pimples and heal old ones.

Topical medications can dry up the oil and promote skin peeling. These may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids).

Antibiotics (such as tetracycline or erythromycin) may be prescribed. Topical antibiotics (applied to a specific area of the skin), such as clindamycin or erythromycin, are also used to control infection. Note: oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after they have all their permanent teeth, because it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Synthetic vitamin A analogues (isotretinoin, Accutane) have been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of severe acne. However, pregnant women and sexually active adolescent females should not take this medication! Severe birth defects occur.

Surgical intervention may include professional (chemical) skin peeling, removal of eruptions or scars (dermabrasion), or removal and/or drainage of cysts.

A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne. However, excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because prolonged exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.

Home treatment may lessen the effects of acne:

Clean the skin gently but thoroughly with soap and water, removing all dirt or make-up. Wash as often as needed to control oil, at least daily and after exercising.
Shampoo hair daily when possible. Use a dandruff shampoo if necessary.
Comb or pull hair back to keep hair out of the face.
Don't squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub lesions. These activities can increase skin damage. Wash your hands before and after caring for skin lesions to reduce the chance of infection.
Don't rest your face on your hands. This irritates the skin of the face.
Identify and avoid anything that aggravates acne. Though no substance is proven to cause acne in everyone, your triggers may include foods, lotions, make-up, and so on. Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams, which can aggravate acne.

Expectations (prognosis):

Acne usually subsides after adolescence, but may persist indefinitely. Acne generally responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but may flare up from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except in severe cases. Scarring may occur if severe acne is not treated.

Complications:

cysts
skin abscess
permanent facial scars
keloids
changes in skin color
psychological damage to self-esteem, confidence, personality, social life
side effects of Accutane (including liver damage and damage to the fetus)
side effects of other medications

Calling your health care provider:

Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if there are signs of complications or if acne is severe and progressively worsening.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if new symptoms develop, including large or painful cysts.

Review Date: 4/17/2003
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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