Acne Fact Sheet

What is acne?

• Acne occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil.
• Bacteria become trapped in the pore and irritate the skin and hair follicle.
• The irritation around the plugged pore and hair follicle forms a red bump called Acne.
• A black plug, or blackhead, is formed when the dead skin comes to the surface.

Who gets acne?

• Acne affects almost all teens..
• It begins around puberty when the body produces more hormones called androgens, which make the oil glands produce more oil.

Are there degrees of acne?

• Acne can range from mild to severe.
• When severe, it often results in scarring.
• Squeezing or popping pimples forces the oil and bacteria into deeper layers of skin and can cause cystic acne and scarring.

What contributes to acne?

• Changes in hormone levels
• Family history
• Hot, humid climate
• Oily make up
• Rubbing and irritating the skin
• Stress

What helps to reduce acne?

• Having a healthy diet and regular exercise helps overall skin health, specific foods, such as fatty foods and chocolate, probably do not make acne worse.
• Touching or squeezing blemishes can increase redness and scarring and should be avoided.
• Using skin care products labelled “nonacnegenic”, “noncomedogenic”, “oil free” or “will not clog pores” can help.
• Rubbing alcohol will not help acne and may cause irritation.
• Keeping hair off the forehead makes your skin less oily.
• Keeping hands and telephone off of the face reduces acne.

How is acne Treated?

• Use a mid-soap and wash the skin gently. Frequent or hard washing will damage the skin and cause more inflammation.
• Medicine can be bought without a prescription (2.5-10% benzoyl peroxide) and applied to the skin (topically).
• Acne medicines should be applied to the entire area where the break-out occurs, not just on the individual blemishes.
• If this does not work, a doctor can be contacted.
• There are many medications for acne, including antibiotics and some birth control pills, that require a prescription from your doctor.

Always Consult a Qualified Skin Specialist ( Dermatologist) with the following Qualification MBBS, MD/ DDVL/ DNB Degree.

Dr. Vijaya Veeranna Sajjan
Associate Professor Department of Dermatology​
MBBS, DDVL, DNB