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Adult Acne
Nearly 45 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. 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.
Unfortunately, Not Everyone Outgrows Acne
Although acne mostly affects teenagers, it is a condition that also affects men and women into adulthood, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.
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. Also, hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.
Depending on the extent of the person's acne, a doctor can recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or prescription medicines that are topical (applied to the skin) or *systemic. The doctor may suggest using more than one topical medicine or combining oral and topical medicines.
Oral Antibiotic Medications (taken by mouth) have been a used by doctors and dermatologist as therapy for moderate to severe and persistent acne for many years. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of oral antibiotics. Ask your doctor which acne medication would be right for you. For example, oral erythromycin is an alternative to tetracycline that is safe for use in pregnant women and young children.
Fortunately...
Today's doctors and dermatologists can help you with your acne problems. You don't have to live with Acne!!
Glossary For This Page
*Systemic
Pronounced - sis-TEH-mik
Affecting the whole body.