Acne is the one of the most common skin problems that young people have. Almost everyone will develop acne to some degree. Some people have more pimples than others. Treatment requires time, patience, and regular use of any medicine you are given.

Acne is the one of the most common skin problems that young people have. Almost everyone will develop acne to some degree. Some people have more pimples than others. Treatment requires time, patience, and regular use of any medicine you are given.

Acne is the one of the most common skin problems that young people have. Almost everyone will develop acne to some degree. Some people have more pimples than others. Treatment requires time, patience, and regular use of any medicine you are given.

Causes of Acne

Acne is the result of several factors:

Dermatology

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  • Hormones increase during puberty. That causes oil glands to produce more oil, or sebum. This can plug the skin pores.
  • Bacteria get into skin pores.
  • Oil and grease from the scalp, hair products, skin products, and cosmetics can also plug the pores.
  • Some medicines or supplements, including steroids, lithium, and barbiturates can make acne worse.
  • Heredity (runs in families).

How a Pimple Forms

A pimple starts when a pore (an opening in the skin) gets plugged. The pore has a tiny hair in it and oil glands at its base (Picture 1).

Bacteria can get into these pores, causing an inflammatory response in the body. This causes the red bumps and pustules (pus-filled bumps) of acne. Sometimes, if the bacteria and sebum get trapped deeply under the skin, a painful acne cyst can form.

How Acne Gets Worse

  • If you scrub with an abrasive soap, pick at your skin, or rub it too much the walls of the pores may break, causing more swelling. This can also lead to scarring.
  • Too much washing (more than 2 or 3 times a day), astringents or alcohol can make your skin too dry. This causes the oil glands to work harder.
  • Squeezing or popping pimples can cause more acne and scarring.
  • Usually, foods like chocolate, sweets, colas, and fried foods do not make acne worse. If one food does seem to make your acne worse, try to avoid it for a few weeks to see if that helps. A healthy, balanced diet is always recommended for healthy skin.
  • Some types of makeup, sunscreens and moisturizing lotions may block pores, making acne worse. Only use products that are “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic”, meaning they will not block pores.
  • Do not use greasy products like petrolatum, cocoa butter, baby oil, or baby lotion on your skin.

Treatment for Acne

Acne is treated using topical and oral medications.

Topical Medicines

The doctor often prescribes creams, lotions, solutions or gels that you put on the skin (topical medicines). Your doctor will tell you when to apply them.

How to Use Topical Acne Medicines

  • First, wash your skin with your hands using the soap suggested by your doctor.
  • Rinse with water. Dry your face gently with a clean towel.
  • Apply a thin film of medicine to all areas of acne, including the face, back and chest and rub it in gently. Do not wash off.
  • Keep the medicine away from your eyes and the corners of your mouth.
  • Some medicines work better during the day, while others work better when applied at night. Make sure to use the medicines at the recommended time of the day.
  • Some medicines may cause dryness and redness. You may apply an over-the-counter face lotion that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
  • If the topical medicines are causing severe dryness or irritation, use them every other day. Keep using an oil-free, non-comedogenic face lotion.

Your doctor may also recommend that you wash your face with an acne wash that contains acne medicine. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the ingredients commonly found in medicated acne washes. You do not need a prescription to get these washes. You can easily find them over the counter at most drug stores. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the ingredients commonly found in medicated acne washes. (Be aware that benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and linens.)

Acne Pills

There are different types of oral medicines to help with acne. Antibiotic pills are one of the most common kinds of medicine you take by mouth for acne. Be sure to read the special instructions and warnings on the medicine’s label and the information sheets that come with the medicine. These are used to treat the bacteria and inflammation of acne.

  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, such as birth control pills, antihistamines, asthma medicines and vitamins.
  • Continue to use the acne creams and gels prescribed by your doctor even when you are taking acne pills. Acne pills alone are not effective at treating all types of acne.
  • Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches and headaches. Call your doctor if any of these occur.

Other Tips and Advice

If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or nurse, or call your doctor’s office.

Acne (PDF)

HH-I-48 11/85, Revised 5/15 Copyright 1985, Nationwide Children’s Hospital