Adult Acne and Some Answers Just like teens, adults have some acne woes. We have compiled a quick list of some of the recent questions below: DEAR DOCTOR: I am in my 20s, and I still have to deal with acne. Why? I thought I would be through with it by this time. What can I do for it? -- William, NJ ANSWER: The teen years are the peak years for having acne, but some adults have to struggle with it too. During adolescence, 85 percent of youngsters have it to some degree. Most are rid of it by age 25. However, 12 percent of women and 3 percent of men have to contend with it until their 40s, and a few, even later. In fact, some adults get acne for the first time later in life. Acne is caused by the plugging of skin follicles -- ''pores,'' as many call them. Oil sludge and shed skin cells form the plug. Every skin follicle comes equipped with an oil gland. Even when the follicle opening is plugged, the gland keeps secreting oil downstream of the plug. The follicle swells and eventually bursts, spewing oil into the adjacent skin. A pimple forms. One reason why adolescence is the peak age for acne has to do with male hormones. They make their appearance then, and their production is in high gear. Male hormones (females make them too) stimulate oil production. In addition to distending follicles, oil is a favorite meal for some skin bacteria that live in the follicle. Those bacteria multiply and add to the inflammation of the oil spill. Hormone production continues in adult years, and that's one reason why adults are still subject to acne. Treatment of all acne involves unplugging the follicle and getting rid of the skin bacteria that contribute to it. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are ingredients found in many over-the-counter acne preparations, and they can unplug clogged follicles. If they produce no results, creams, lotions and gels with ingredients related to vitamin A promote follicle drainage. Retin-A, Renova, Differin and Tazorac are examples. The next step, if needed, is antibiotic creams and gels that come to the rescue. The last step on the ladder is vitamin A-related oral medicines. DEAR DOCTOR: Is there any hope for people with acne scars? ANSWER: Of Course. There is a Multi-lift acne scar treatment in addition to a number of other cosmetic treatments to get rid of acne scars. DEAR DOCTOR: What type of Acne is the easiest to Treat -- Jason, CA ANSWER: The whitehead or blackhead pimple (comedo) is the easiest to treat. It is the least severe type of acne. Retinoid topical medications are applied directly to the skin in the form of a cream, gel or lotion. Retinoid medications slow the growth of keratin and thus decrease pimple formation as well as prevent the blockage of hair follicles which also can lead to new pimples. If you have oily skin you will be given a retinoid jell, which has a drying effect. For dry skin you will be given a retinoid cream or lotion that has a moisturizing action. The topical treatments are usually applied twice a day. If you can not tolerate the Retinoid topical medications other topical treatments are available such as Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and an antibiotic preparation. The more severe forms of the whitehead or blackhead pimple may require mechanical removal; this is referred to as comedo extraction. This procedure is performed by a dermatologist. The dermatologist will use an anesthetic cream to numb the area, then open the top of the pimple and remove the inner plug. Follow up treatment with a cream is generally recommended. Mild to moderate acne associated with inflammation (redness and soreness) are usually treated with a combination of different types of topical medication. The treatment combination includes topical retinoids or topical antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide. The treatment of choice is usually topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide. Bensozyl peroxide works both as an antibiotic and prevents pimple formation. DEAR DOCTOR: I have heard about Antibiotics doing wonders for acne sufferers? ANSWER: Acne associated with severe inflammation and pain may require oral antibiotics (tetracycline or erythromycin) or oral retinoid known as isotretinoin (Roaccutane/Accutane). Oral antibiotics are rapid and effective in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that causes acne. Oral isotretinoin is potent treatment of severe acne. It blocks sebum secretion, inflammation, and the overgrowth of keratin that leads to pimples. Common Misconceptions about the Treatment of Acne There are lots of acne myths. Despite the wide spread notion that vigorous washing will clean away the oils that produce pimples, this is not true. Too much washing may make the inflammation around pimples worse and no amount of cleaning will reduce the amount of sebum in the glands that leads to acne. Popping a pimple is always a bad idea as it will lead to an acne scar. The common notion that fat from junk foods may lodge in the skin and cause acne is not true. There is no evidence that the oils contained in fatty food increase acne. Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport for acne free, healthy, younger-looking skin. Tel: (201) 227-1555. You can also ask questions by clicking on Ask Questions 
Home | Forum | Photos | Videos | Press | Financing | About Us | Contact Us All information on cosmeticskin.com is for informative purposes only. It is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. © 1994-2008 CosmeticSkin.com All contents copyright, all rights reserved. Contact Physician Network Inc. for any inquiries |
