Acne

Doctors call acne "acne lesions". We call acne "pimples" or "zits".
Doctors describe acne as a disease of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs).
We describe acne as difficult to live with, embarrassing, and humiliating. We lose our confidence, pride, dignity, and self-respect.

The Good News: Today's doctors and dermatologists can help you with your acne problems. You don't have to live with Acne!! There are a wide variety of effective treatment options availavble, lots of over-the-counter acne products if you have mild acne problems. If your acne is severe, there are treatments and medicaitons your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe for you that will clear up your acne.

Did You Know That.......

*) Nearly 45 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease, with approximately 85 percent of the population being between 15 - 24 years of age. The disease is more common and more severe in males than in females.

*) Acne is caused by overactive oil glands, sebaceous glands, stimulated by the hormone androgen, mixing with dead skin cells, which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks. This is particularly true during the teenage years when androgen production is at its highest.

*) Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

*) Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, and permanent scarring, which can be upsetting to people and affect a person's self-image.

*) Another myth about acne is you have to let acne run its course, this is false, acne is a treatable condition. There is no need to wait for skin to clear up on its own. The longer you wait, the more likely your chances are of permanent scarring. If over-the-counter medication isn't working, it may be time to see your doctor or dermatologist.

*) Stress does not cause acne, but research suggests that for people who have acne, stress can make it worse.

*) Having sex will not cause acne.

*) Not everyone outgrows acne. Altough acne mostly affects teenagers, it is a condition that also affects men and women into adulthood.

*) Sensitive skin should be handled with care. Do not wash your face with abrasive soaps or cloths, wear tight fitting clothing or equipment, or touch your acne.

*) The circumstances around adult acne are slightly different from that of teens, particularly for women. Women between 18 and 40 may have breakouts that occur most frequently when they are premenstrual.

*) While a suntan may make blemishes and scars less apparent, tanning may actually make acne worse. Suntans cause the skin to increase sebum production, which is one of the factors that lead to acne in the first place. Also, many acne treatments make skin sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays.