Acne
Acne. Zits. Pimples. No matter what you call them, these blemishes are an annoying part of life. As soon as you get rid of some, other seem to creep up. Acne is an inflammatory disease that is caused when your pores, become clogged.
Pores are small openings in your skin to a follicle, which may contain hair or an oil gland. They become clogged when your glands produce too much oil or become blocked with external dirt, bacteria, or debris. If this plug breaks open it will cause redness, swelling, as well as pain and inflammation...painfully known as the pimple. Firm and sensitive cysts may develop when this inflammation occurs in one of the deeper layers of skin.
We find that acne is typically genetic and can be triggered by high stress, greasy cosmetics, birth control, or high humidity. Despite urban myths, there has been no scientific evidence linking acne to dietary indiscretion. There is no need to avoid chocolate, nuts, pizza, or junk food unless a direct correlation is personally detected. Although most common in teens, acne can be found as early as prenatally and continue into late adult hood. Acne can be found all over the body, from face to back, legs, arms, and buttocks.
Pores are small openings in your skin to a follicle, which may contain hair or an oil gland. They become clogged when your glands produce too much oil or become blocked with external dirt, bacteria, or debris. If this plug breaks open it will cause redness, swelling, as well as pain and inflammation...painfully known as the pimple. Firm and sensitive cysts may develop when this inflammation occurs in one of the deeper layers of skin.
We find that acne is typically genetic and can be triggered by high stress, greasy cosmetics, birth control, or high humidity. Despite urban myths, there has been no scientific evidence linking acne to dietary indiscretion. There is no need to avoid chocolate, nuts, pizza, or junk food unless a direct correlation is personally detected. Although most common in teens, acne can be found as early as prenatally and continue into late adult hood. Acne can be found all over the body, from face to back, legs, arms, and buttocks.
Treatment
Much of the recommended treatment is Self-Care...
If these steps do not clear up the infected area, then try some over-the-counter topical recommendations: We recommend benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These medicines work to dry up excess oil and killing bacteria. It may take several weeks to notice some improvements.
If blemishes are still a problem, call and schedule an appointment at Shelby Pediatrics and we can examine the infected area and prescribe some oral or topical antibiotics.
- Clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying soap (such as Dove, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Basics). Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing.
- Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
- Squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
- Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Take off make-up at night. Look for water-based or "noncomedogenic" formulas. Noncomedogenic products have been tested and proven not to clog pores and cause acne.
If these steps do not clear up the infected area, then try some over-the-counter topical recommendations: We recommend benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These medicines work to dry up excess oil and killing bacteria. It may take several weeks to notice some improvements.
If blemishes are still a problem, call and schedule an appointment at Shelby Pediatrics and we can examine the infected area and prescribe some oral or topical antibiotics.