Acne

Acne is a disorder of the skin that can begin at age 9 or 10 years and usually improves by the mid 20’s. Acne cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. There are many different approaches to the care of acne, determined by the type and severity of the condition in each person.  Most acne treatment plans can be managed by your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner.

  1. Mild Acne
    Blackheads and whiteheads are caused by dead skin cells and oil that are trapped in the hair follicle. It is NOT caused by dirt. Therefore, scrubbing and excessive washing will not improve acne. In fact, rubbing the skin or use of harsh or abrasive soaps may cause further irritation.
  1. Moderate to Severe Acne
    Pimples, pustules, and nodules may indicate a more severe form of acne. With early and consistent treatment, scarring can be prevented. Individuals with severe acne often have excessive oil gland secretion due to hormonal changes of puberty.

Factors That Aggravate Acne:

  • Repeated pressure, touching or scrubbing acne-prone areas.
  • Oil and grease in moisturizers, face creams, and make-up. Use of non-comedogenic products (ones that do not clog pores) are recommended.
  • Squeezing pimples and digging at the skin with fingernails may result in scarring.
  • Emotional stress may aggravate acne due to hormonal changes.

Be Patient! Improvement in acne may take 2-3 months. Some creams can make your face initially more red and irritated before the acne starts to clear. Follow-up visits are usually planned for 6-8 weeks. Treatment in some form may be required for several years.