Acne Fact Sheet

Healthcare

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.

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.

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.

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.

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