Health Services
Self Care

Acne

Description
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases of teenagers and young adults. It is more common in males because of androgen secretions. Small glands in the skin called sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicle secrete an oily material called sebum. A square of facial skin can contain as many as 5,000 sebaceous glands. Hormonal changes that occur at puberty and in adolescence cause these sebaceous glands to grow larger and secrete excess sebum. Acne does not occur because of excessively oily skin or improper skin cleansing.

Acne begins when the ducts or openings of these glands become plugged with dead skin cells, debris, bacteria and sebum. As the plug grows, it may become visible on the surface of the skin as a small white bump or "white-head." If the plug stretches the duct open, air reaches the materials in the plug and causes darkening or "black-heads." The distended ducts can open into the surrounding tissue, releasing sebum and skin cells resulting in inflammation. This inflammation may look like white or red pimples. Nodules and cysts arise from deeper layers of skin, often causing scarring.

Controlling Acne
Wash the skin properly to keep the skin moderately dry. Any soap like Neutrogena, Castile soap or non-perfumed soap is best. Soaps only clean the surface of skin, but do not penetrate the follicles where acne really starts, so medicated soaps are of little value. Abrasive scrubs may actually make acne worse.

Cosmetics can make acne worse, especially if oil-based, by plugging pores. Use only water- base makeup. Moisturizers and creams should be avoided.

Diet has not been proven to affect acne. For general health, a well-balanced diet is advised. Hormone changes can affect acne. It is common for acne to flare in the week preceding menstruation, perhaps because of progesterone secretion.

Sunlight may aid in drying of peeling of acne; however, its major effect is to darken the skin and make acne less visible. In many people, acne actually worsens in the summer because heat and humidity may plug the follicles.

Medications taken for other health problems can sometimes worsen acne.

Medications that can cause acne problems are isoniazid (INH), some anti-seizure medications, hormones, lithium, steroid pills, and some topical steroid creams.

Medication
Mild cases of acne without cysts may be successfully treated with non-prescription medications. It is crucial to read the labels of the acne medications to be aware of the ingredients and their expected action.

Medication containing benzoyl peroxide is the recommended first choice for self-treatment. The medication is used on all acne prone areas of the skin (except eyes, lips, and the corners of the mouth, which are too sensitive) even if there are no pimples present. It is designed to prevent as well as treat acne and should be used even when the face is clear. The skin should have a slight feeling of dryness without feeling or discomfort. The side effects include burning, excessive drying and redness.

Medical Assistance
Mild acne can be treated without consulting a dermatologist. However, if acne does not improve after four weeks of self-treatment or if painful cystic lesions develop, Messiah College students may contact Student Health Service at (717) 691-6035.