Acne treatments help you face the world

Anyone who is past puberty has probably experienced the zits, pimples and scars of acne. For teenagers, these unsightly blemishes most likely feel like the bane of their existence. While some of us are fortunate enough to go on to have clear skin, many of us face an ongoing battle – one that requires just the right arsenal of medical and home care.

“The most important thing you can do to treat acne is to be persistent with your treatment,” says Kelsey Kober, physician assistant with Great Lakes Dermatology. “Skin turnover takes four to six weeks so you have to give it some time. Most treatments will produce results within three months.”

The exact cause of acne is unknown but hormones, bacteria, heredity and some medications such as cortisone may all play a role. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate and greasy foods may not be to blame for breakouts. However, ongoing studies suggest other food items may contribute. “Foods high in starch, such as bread, bagels and chips, increase blood sugar and are thought to cause acne and/or make it resistant to treatment,” says Kelsey.

Acne 101
Acne forms from a perfect storm of too much oil (sebum), improper shedding of dead skin cells and a buildup of bacteria. It’s most common on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders because of the larger number of oil glands.

Here’s how acne works:

The hair follicles, which normally allow sebum to travel up and out of the skin, become plugged by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells. This blockage may cause the follicle wall to bulge and produce a whitehead – or, it may remain open, become darkened by the dead skin cells and cause a blackhead.

Pimples, as most of us know, are raised red spots with a white center that forms when the blockage becomes inflamed or infected. If the inflammation develops deep inside the hair follicles, it can produce a cyst under your skin, which may lead to scarring.

These blemishes are not only physically painful because of the inflammation; they also produce psychosocial consequences – especially for teenagers. “A lot of parents tell me their daughters won’t wear tank tops or their sons won’t take off their shirts to play sports because they’re embarrassed,” says Kelsey. “On the positive side, when their skin clears up, it gives them new confidence and self-esteem.”

Finding the best treatment
Kelsey and her colleagues at Great Lakes Dermatology are experts at treating acne patients of all ages. In this country, about 40 million people suffer from this common condition and it’s no different here in Southeast Wisconsin. In fact, our changing seasons may play a role in flare-ups. The drier fall air can wreak havoc because dry skin doesn’t have the anti-inflammatory properties of moisturized skin. The decrease in sunlight may also be a factor. For kids, an autumn break out can be a difficult way to start the new school year.

Keep your hands off!
Despite the inclination, Kelsey emphasizes the importance of not pinching or squeezing blemishes. “When you do, you spread bacteria and cause more acne to form,” she says. Instead, she recommends:

Using a mild cleanser at least once a day;
Eating a healthy diet that’s low in starch and high in moisture-rich fruits and vegetables;
Drinking plenty of water; and
Using an over-the-counter (OTC) skin care product. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are common OTC treatments but only your dermatologist can recommend the best products, based on your skin type and acne symptoms.

If acne doesn’t improve after several weeks of persistent cleansing and OTC remedies, Kelsey recommends a full acne evaluation. Although acne never truly goes away, it can be controlled with proper medical treatment including topical ointments, oral medications, or combination treatment plans set by your dermatologist.

Get your best skin ever. With seven convenient locations, most patients can be seen within 72 hours of your call. To schedule an appointment, call 800-227-5135 today.