Consult your primary care physician if self-care treatments do not clear up your acne. They have the authority to prescribe more potent medications. If your acne persists or becomes severe, you should seek medical attention from Matthew B Quan M.D., a dermatologist specializing in skincare. Acne can last for decades in many women, with flare-ups common a week before menstruation. In women who use contraception, acne usually clears up independently. The sudden onset of severe acne in older adults may indicate an underlying disease requiring medical attention.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has warned that some common non-prescription acne lotions, cleansers, and other skin brands can lead to a serious allergic reaction. This type of reaction is scarce, so don’t mix it up with any redness, irritation, or itchiness in regions where medications or products have been applied. Seek emergency health care if you experience any of the following symptoms after using a skin product:
- Faintness.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Eye, face, lip, or tongue swelling.
- Throat constriction.
Factors that can cause acne
Acne is a complex disorder, which means that factors cause it. Acne can be caused or exacerbated by the following factors:
- Hormonal changes – One thing we do understand for sure is that acne is primarily a hormonal disorder. This is because acne symptoms do not appear until the body begins generating hormones during puberty. Furthermore, we know that acne signs typically worsen when male hormones, known as androgens, which are present in both males and females, are elevated. Increased levels of growth hormones may exacerbate acne. The most likely reason these hormones cause acne is that they increase the amount of skin oil produced by the skin, and more skin oil is heavily correlated to more acne.
- Diet – Diet’s influence on any illness is extremely challenging to research, and acne is no exception. It is not known whether diet and acne are related, and if so, to what extent, due to a lack of robust, long-term studies. However, the limited research suggests that a high-glycemic diet and low contents of omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and zinc in the diet, may contribute to acne. When it comes to dairy, it is too early to tell.
- Stress – The mind and the body are inextricably linked. This isn’t Eastern philosophy; it’s an undeniable physical reality. Emotional stress impacts our endocrine (hormone) and immune systems, making the skin less willing to stay clear. Physical stress can harm our endocrine and immune systems, such as over-taxing the body with an excessively demanding exercise regime or not getting enough sleep.
- Inflammation – Acne pimples are frequently red and sore, indicating inflammation. As scientists investigate the skin, they become more convinced that acne is an inflammatory disease at its core. They discover inflammatory molecules at every phase of acne development, beginning with a clogged pore. When we diagnose acne, we see apparent evidence of the inflammatory component. Moreover, most acne medicines and treatments contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that are thought to contribute to their anti-acne action.
The incredible thing is that you don’t have to put up with acne forever. Almost every case of acne can now be successfully treated. Call The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery or book an appointment to learn more about acne treatments.
