Aug. 15, 2024 | There are a lot of myths regarding acne, a common skin disorder that can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne typically appears near the onset of puberty but is often seen in adults in their 30s and 40s. Nearly everyone has endured some form of acne, from plugged pores that appear as blackheads to pimples, and even cysts or nodules that can result in scarring. One common misconception about acne is that it is caused by poor hygiene. Those who believe this tend to wash their skin more aggressively and more frequently, typically making their condition worse. Although excess oils, dead skin and a day’s accumulation of dust on the skin looks unsightly, they should not be removed by hand scrubbing. Vigorous washing will actually irritate the skin and make acne worse. The best approach is to gently wash the face twice a day with a mild soap, pat it dry and use an appropriate treatment for the acne.

Aug. 15, 2024 | Acne will be seen in virtually all youth between the ages of 12 and 17, regardless of race or ethnicity. More than 40 percent of adolescents have acne severe enough to require some treatment by a physician. Acne affects young men and women about equally, but there are some significant differences. Young men are more likely than young women to have more severe forms of acne and are less likely than young women to visit a dermatologist for their acne. In contrast, young women are more likely to have intermittent acne due to hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle and to have acne caused by cosmetics. These kinds of acne may afflict women well into adulthood. Americans spend well over a hundred million dollars a year for non-prescription acne treatments. That doesn’t include special soaps and cleansers as well as the costs of prescription therapies, visits to a dermatologist and time lost from school or work.

Aug. 15, 2024 | Despite what your mother or father may have told you growing up, acne is not caused by eating foods considered less than healthy. Extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between diet and acne. In other words, food does not cause acne. Not chocolate or pizza. Nonetheless, some people insist that certain foods affect their acne. In that case, it’s best to avoid those foods. Besides, eating a balanced diet always makes sense. However, according to the scientific evidence, if acne is being treated properly, there’s no need to worry about certain forms of food affecting the acne. It’s not caused by stress, either. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones that may theoretically lead to acne. In some cases the stress may actually be caused by the acne lesions, not the other way around. If the acne is being treated effectively, stress is not likely to have much impact on the majority of people.

Aug. 15, 2024 | When it comes to acne, UAMS dermatologist Dr. Jay Kincannon says beware of treatments that promise “overnight” or “fast-acting” results. Typically, six to eight weeks are needed to see any kind of results. Once acne significantly improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from re-appearing. If acne does not improve in two months, treatment may need to be adjusted as not every acne treatment clears every case of acne. Mild cases call for a gentle washing of the affected area with warm water and a mild soap twice a day and the use of a topical acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Severe cases may require the use of antibiotics, chemical peels or laser therapy. Consult with a dermatologist to discuss your options. And avoid picking at blackheads and whiteheads. Tissue injured by squeezing or picking can become infected by staphylococci, streptococci and other skin bacteria.

Aug. 15, 2024 | Many women experience acne during pregnancy. While it’s not known exactly why the skin disorder affects women so many women who are pregnant, it most likely has something to do with the overproduction of oil, or sebum, which happens when certain hormones become overactive. Since any kind of medication that’s applied to a pregnant woman’s skin can enter their bloodstream and affect their baby, it’s important to exercise caution when treating this form of acne. If you’re pregnant, wash any acne-prone areas gently with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water in the mornings and at night. If you have oily hair, be sure to wash your hair daily and keep your hair off your face. Avoid cosmetics unless they are oil-free, these will be described as water-based or non-acnegenic. Avoid picking at sores as this can cause scarring. And talk to your doctor about topical treatments like erythromycin or clindamycin, which require a prescription.