Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Richard D. Sontheimer, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A. Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: December 2001
Last Revision Date: April 2002
The bumps can be blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or
cysts.
Acne shows up most commonly on the face. It can also be on the
neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest.
What causes acne?
Glands in the skin and hair make sebum. Sebum is a natural
oil.
Teens often get acne because their hormones are changing so
rapidly. The hormones can cause the glands to make too much
sebum.
Skin cells can clog pores. Sebum and bacteria can get trapped
in the pores, causing swelling and redness.
The swelling and redness are signs of a small infection,
called a pimple.
What doesn't cause and cure acne?
Acne is not caused by food.
It is not caused by eating chocolate, drinking soda, or eating
greasy foods like french fries or pizza.
Stress does not cause acne. But, after a person has acne,
stress can make it worse.
The sun doesn't make acne better. Sun can cause tanning,
sunburn, wrinkles, and lead to skin cancer. When your skin is tan,
pimples may seem better because the redness is harder to see. The
sun will not make acne go away.
Acne is not caused by dirt or sweat.
Who can get acne?
Acne can affect people of any age but it is most common in
teens.
Almost 8 in every 10 teens get acne.
If a parent had acne as a teen, the child has a greater chance
of getting acne.
Some girls get acne a few days before they get their period.
It is caused by hormone changes in the body.
Is acne contagious?
No. Acne is not contagious.
How is acne treated?
There are many over-the-counter lotions and creams that treat
acne, such as benzoyl peroxide. The creams work by killing
bacteria.
Follow the instructions closely. See if you are allergic to
the cream first.
Don't use more than you are supposed to. It can make your skin
dry up and look worse.
Benzoyl peroxide is a bleach. Remember that it will bleach
washcloths, towels, and clothes.
For many people, washing the face twice a day with a mild soap
and using benzoyl peroxide is all that is needed.
Some teens may want to see their doctor or dermatologist. A
dermatologist is a doctor who treats skin problems.
The doctor may prescribe medications. The medication could be
in the form of creams or pills.
Some girls find that birth control pills help clear up
acne.
Do not touch, pick, or squeeze the pimple. It can cause even
more redness. If your hands are dirty, it can also make the pimple
worse.
The redness can be covered up by make-up. The make-up should
have green pigment (color) as its base.
How long does acne last?
Most people do not get acne after their teenage years. Some
women have acne because of their periods.
Acne can take months to clear up, even with treatment.
Picking at pimples can leave red spots on your face. The
redness usually clears up after several months.
Acne can cause scarring.
How can acne be prevented?
The best way not to get acne is to prevent it. Once you have
acne, you can't cure it. You just have to wait for it to
heal.
Gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and warm
water.
Take off all of your makeup before you go to bed.
Don't scrub your face. It can irritate the skin and make acne
worse.
If you wear makeup, sunscreen, or use lotion, use kinds that
say "oil-free," "noncomedogenic," or "nonacnegenic." It won't clog
your pores.
If you wear hairspray, cover your face with your hand while
you spray. Hair gels and hairspray can irritate your face if they
are put near the hairline.
Washing your hair helps keep oil away from your face.
If you work at a place where there is lots of grease, like at
a fast-food restaurant or gas station, wash your face as soon as
you get home.
Wash your face after exercising.
Mild cleansers, such as Cetaphil, Purpose, and Neutrogena, can
be used to wash the face. Antibacterial pads can also be used to
clean the face.
Exfoliating cleaners and scrubs can be used. The scrubs are
like grainy creams that you spread on the skin. They remove the
outer layer of the skin and open pores. Ask a doctor first. They
may be too harsh for some skin.
When should I call the doctor?
You may want to call if your child has severe acne or if your
child has not been able to control her acne with the treatments
suggested above.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Quick Answers
Acne is a skin condition that looks like different types of
bumps.
Acne is caused by clogged pores. Bacteria can get trapped in
the pores, causing swelling and redness. If the pore gets
infected, a pimple is formed.
Acne is not caused by eating certain kinds of food, such as
greasy food or chocolate. It is not caused by stress, dirt, or
sweat. The sun does not clear up acne.
Acne can affect people of any age but it is most common in
teens.
Acne is not contagious.
There are many over-the-counter lotions and creams that treat
acne.
Acne can take months to clear up, even with treatment.
You can help prevent acne by gently washing your face twice a
day with soap and warm water. Don't scrub your face. It can
irritate the skin and make acne worse.
Call the doctor if your child has not been able to control her
acne with the treatments suggested above.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. Patient Information: Acne.
1987 (cited 2001 October 26). URL:
http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/acnepamp.html
Hyde, P M.D. TeensHealth: Why Do I Get Acne? KidsHealth. 2001
July (cited 2001 October 26). URL:
http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=207&cat_id=&article_set=20519
MedicineNet.com. Acne (Pimples). 2000 July 27 (cited 2001
October 26). URL:
http://www.medicineNet.com/Script/Main/Art.asp?li=MNI&d=111&cu=94985&w=3&ArticleKey=257
"Virtual Pediatric Hospital", the Virtual Pediatric Hospital logo, and "A digital library of pediatric information" are all Trademarks of Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Virtual Pediatric Hospital is funded in whole by Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. Advertising is not accepted.
Your personal information remains confidential and is not sold, leased, or given to any third party be they reliable or not.
The information contained in Virtual Pediatric Hospital is not a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.