Acne afflicts mostly teenage boys, but some girls and women often experience acne flare-up during the menstrual cycle or ovulation period.
There is no cure for acne, but treatments can improve the condition.
On a visit to a dermatologist, he or she will look for acne comedones, pustules, nodules, and cysts on the face, chest, back, upper arms, and shoulders.
A doctor can usually make the diagnosis of acne based on a simple physical examination.
Normally, questions on diet, cosmetic use, and family history are noted by the doctor.
See your doctor if you or your teenager have acne that is not controlled with over-the-counter washes or gels.
Remember that in teenagers, the amount of acne may not be a true gauge of the impact of the "problem" on a child's life.
Even small amounts of acne can be terribly embarrassing and psychologically painful to some young people.
It is always best to talk these things out with your teenager.
If, on the other hand, your child feels that this is not a problem, be patient with him.
You cannot force the child to go into treatment.
Some Solutions to Get Rid of Acne Acne, unfortunately, cannot be "prevented.
" The tendency to develop acne is inherited.
However, it is helpful to remember that it develops in most people and is a normal part of maturing hormonally.
Careful cleanliness can also help to lessen the effects.
Treatment is designed to prevent formation of new lesions and aid the healing of old ones.
Acne can be treated with the following: - Salicyclic acid washes - these washes help "empty" comedones.
- Benzoyl peroxide gels - these medications are applied to the skin as a thin film.
They dry and peel the skin, fight the growth of bacteria, and help clear blocked follicles.
Although some are available in weaker "over-the counter" lotions, your doctor may prescribe a stronger and more effective gel form.
- Tretinoin (Retin-A) - when applied to the skin as a cream, gel, or solution, it helps clear the skin of plugged follicles by increasing the turnover of skin cells.
Because it also increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, tretinoin should be used with a sunscreen.
- Antibiotics - clindamycin and erythromycin can be applied directly to the skin to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Acne can almost always be controlled with medication, though results vary and may not be seen for weeks or months.
For example, most topical medicines (treatments applied directly to the skin) work within 4-8 weeks.
Tretinoin may show peak results within 3-6 months.