Acne mostly manifests itself on the face, but it can also be located on the back and chest. In some cases, all three areas may be affected. The condition can range from mild, where blackheads, whiteheads, and a few inflamed spots are present, to severe where there may be large, deep lesions that can take weeks to settle and may cause scarring. Acne is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another

Some say this condition needs to run its course and that treatment is unsuccessful and unnecessary. This could not be further from the truth. Besides the psychological stress, permanent damage to the skin can result if the condition goes untreated. It can last for years and cause scarring if left untreated.

Acne is not caused by poor hygiene or dirt and cannot be cured by washing more frequently. There is no evidence that eating chocolate or sweets can cause or worsen this dermatologic condition. However, some individuals may find that certain foods make their acne worse. It may help to avoid these foods, but a strict diet alone will not cure it.

The sebaceous (oil) glands are small glands surrounding the fine hairs on the skin. These glands produce sebum (oil), which is released via the hair follicles. Acne is usually triggered by puberty when rising levels of male hormones (androgens) in both boys and girls cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This excess sebum causes the lining of the hair follicles to become inflamed, making them narrower and resulting in the formation of plugs at the surface of the skin. Bacteria can then grow causing redness, swelling and the formation of pus. The “black” in a blackhead is not dirt but dried oil and shed skin cells.
Treatment

The choice of treatment depends on the severity. All acne should be treated. It will not improve if left untreated and could become worse. At MetroDerm, P.C., the dermatologists understand the psychological stress of acne and related skin conditions. They work with patients to develop a treatment plan that may include medication and aesthetic treatments. The dermatologist will take a patient history and examine him or her then prescribe a treatment plan to prevent dead skin cells from blocking the oil glands, reduce excessive oil production and reduce acne-causing bacteria. If the condition is mild, the doctor can prescribe topical lotions, creams or gel for the skin. If it is severe, there is a variety of proven treatments available to treat this distressing condition. Prescription strength medications and doctor supervision of acne treatment are preferable to over-the-counter products and a hit or miss treatment regimen. Please be sure to inform the dermatologists if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This will affect the protocol the doctor prescribes for treatment.

• Use good quality doctor recommended products to clean your face morning and evening.
• Avoid squeezing or picking pimples. This may cause scarring or worse inflammation.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid foods that cause your acne to flare.
• Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.
• Avoid tanning beds due to the long-term risks of sun damage and skin cancer.
• Humid weather may worsen the acne due to excess sweating.
• Long hair may irritate acne. Pull your hair back to avoid friction and oils from causing problems.