Adolescents-Acne

ACNE
For additional information, see Mayo Clinic article.
	What causes acne?
	Pimples are caused when overactive, plugged up oil glands become inflamed. Although there are lots of myths about what causes acne and what doesn't -- four factors seem to be involved.
		HORMONES: When you begin puberty, certain hormones -especially those called "androgens" - increase dramatically. These hormones cause oil glands in the face, back and upper chest to become overactive.
		HEREDITY: If other members of your family had acne, there's a good chance that you've inherited oily skin that is sensitive to hormone effects.
		PLUGGED OIL GLANDS: If you are susceptible to acne, the cells that line the oil glands or pores in your skin shed quickly and stick to one another. These cells plug up the pores, trapping oil in the gland. The plugged pores become whiteheads and blackheads.
		SKIN BACTERIA: When bacteria are present, they cause the plugged pores to become infected. This leads to pustules and even deep cysts.
There's not much you can do about hormones or heredity, so your best control efforts are those that unplug pores and reduce skin bacteria.
	What makes acne worse?
		Pinching or popping pimples, which can also leave scars.
		Too much scrubbing, which irritates the skin.
		Things that rub on the skin, such as headbands, hats and hair.
		Heavy cosmetics -- makeup and oily creams can block pores.
		Some medications, including iodides, bromides and hormones.
		Menstruation, because hormone levels increase before the period.
		Emotional stress and nervous tension, in some people.
	What DOESN'T cause acne?
		It's not your "fault" if you have acne.
		It's not caused by the foods you eat. Despite what you may have heard, soft drinks, chocolate, and greasy foods don't cause acne in most people.
		It's not caused by dirt. The black plug in a blackhead is called melanin. It's not dirt. No matter how carefully you wash your face, you can still have acne.
		It's not something you can "catch" from or "give" to another person.
	Treating acne:
	It is important to know that there is no true "cure" for acne. It can last for many years, though acne usually clears up as you grow older and have less oil in your skin. Treatment strategies listed below are meant to keep acne under control, rather than cure it completely.
		Wash only two or three times daily.
		Use a mild soap; special acne soaps aren't necessary.
		Gently massage soap into skin with clean fingers or a washcloth.
		Use hot water to wash, cool water for the final rinse.
		Gently pat dry.
		Avoid harsh soaps or abrasive scrubs, which can further inflame skin.
		Use benzoyl peroxide gel in 5% or 10% strengths. Benzoyl peroxide helps kills skin bacteria. It is the most effective acne treatment you can get without a doctor's prescription. Many brands are available from the drugstore ot supermarket. Read the labels.
			Start slowly with a 5% gel once a day. After a week, increase use to twice a day if your skin isn't too red or peeling.
			Wait at least 30 minutes after washing to make sure skin is dry and then apply to the entire area where pimples may occur. Don't just dab on current blemishes. Avoid the delicate skin around eyes, mouth, and corners of the nose.
			If, after 4-6 weeks, your acne isn't better, increase to a 10% strength gel. Start with one application each day and increase to two daily applications if your skin tolerates it.
		*If you don't see results, see your doctor.*
			Your doctor can prescribe stronger treatments if needed, such as Retin-A cream or gel, topical antibiotic solutions, or oral antibiotic pills.
	What about the "miracle drug" Accutane?
		Isotretinoin is a very strong chemical taken in pill form. It is used only for severe cystic acne that doesn't respond to any other treatment. It has serious side effects and must NEVER be taken during pregnancy. Patients who take Accutane must be carefully supervised by a doctor trained in its use.
Always remember that you are a special and valuable person no matter what your skin looks like. Acne is temporary. And even if it bothers you, other people don't care about your pimples. So smile and be your own terrific self!

Information contained herein is from the American Academy of Pediatrics.