Acne

What Is Acne?

• Chronic skin condition caused by clogged pores, excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation
• Common types: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules
• Common in teenagers but can affect adults

Goals of Acne Treatment

• Reduce oil production
• Unclog pores
• Eliminate bacteria
• Minimize inflammation

Types of Acne Treatments

Topical Treatments

• Retinoids (e.g., Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene)
  • Reduce clogged pores, promote cell turnover
  • Best for mild to moderate acne
  • Side effects: Skin irritation, redness, peeling
• Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Kills acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes)
  • Available in 2.5%-10% concentrations
  • Side effects: Dryness, irritation, bleaching of fabrics
• Salicylic Acid
  • Exfoliates skin, unclogs pores
  • Commonly found in over-the-counter cleansers and creams
  • Side effects: Mild irritation, dryness
• Antibiotics (e.g., Clindamycin, Erythromycin)
  • Reduce bacterial growth and inflammation
  • Used in combination with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance
  • Side effects: Skin irritation, resistance with long-term use

Oral Treatments

• Oral Antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline, Minocycline)
  • Reduce bacteria and inflammation
  • Used for moderate to severe acne
  • Side effects: Photosensitivity, stomach upset, resistance risk
• Hormonal Therapy (e.g., Combined Oral Contraceptives)
  • Reduce androgen levels to control sebum production
  • Effective for acne in women
  • Side effects: Weight gain, mood changes, blood clot risk
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)
  • For severe or resistant acne
  • Reduces sebum production, unclogs pores, fights bacteria
  • Requires monitoring for severe side effects: Dry skin, mood changes, liver toxicity, teratogenicity

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments

• Cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
• Non-comedogenic moisturizers to hydrate without clogging pores
• Spot treatments with sulfur or tea tree oil

Procedural Treatments

• Chemical Peels
  • Exfoliate the top skin layer to reduce acne and scars
  • Use salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid
• Laser Therapy
  • Targets oil glands and acne-causing bacteria
  • Helps reduce redness and inflammation
• Extraction Procedures
  • Manually remove blackheads and whiteheads
  • Performed by dermatologists
• Microneedling
  • Stimulates collagen production to reduce acne scars

Lifestyle Changes for Acne Management

• Cleanse skin twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser
• Avoid picking or popping pimples to prevent scarring
• Use oil-free and non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products
• Avoid high-glycemic foods (e.g., sugary snacks, white bread)
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s
• Reduce stress, as it can trigger acne flare-ups

Common Side Effects of Acne Treatments

• Dryness and Irritation: Common with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid
• Photosensitivity: Increased sensitivity to sunlight with antibiotics, retinoids, or isotretinoin
• Peeling and Redness: Common in the initial weeks of treatment
• Resistance Risk: Long-term use of topical or oral antibiotics

Patient Counseling Points

• Acne treatments take time; noticeable results appear in 6-8 weeks
• Use sunscreen daily to prevent sun damage and irritation from photosensitizing treatments
• Avoid combining multiple harsh treatments to reduce irritation (e.g., benzoyl peroxide with retinoids initially)
• Follow prescribed doses and complete antibiotic courses to prevent resistance
• Moisturize daily to balance dryness caused by acne products

FAQs About Acne Treatments

Q1: What is the best treatment for mild acne?

• Topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are effective

Q2: Can I use multiple acne treatments together?

• Yes, but start slowly to avoid irritation; consult a dermatologist for guidance

Q3: How long does it take for acne to clear with treatment?

• Most treatments take 6-12 weeks for visible improvement

Q4: Can diet affect acne?

• High-glycemic foods and dairy may worsen acne; a balanced diet helps reduce flare-ups

Q5: Is isotretinoin safe?

• Yes, but requires close monitoring due to potential severe side effects

Q6: What should I do if my acne doesn’t improve?

• Consult a dermatologist for stronger treatments like oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin

Q7: Are natural remedies effective for acne?

• Some, like tea tree oil or zinc, may help but are generally less effective than prescription treatments