What Causes Adult Acne?

What Causes Adult Acne?

Acne at any age causes emotional upset. Honestly, though, did you expect to have it as an adult? At Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, the doctors and their professional team have the best ways to control troublesome acne so you can feel confident and look your best. Here are some of the things you should know about adult acne.

What is acne?

Acne is an outbreak of red pustules, blackheads, or whiteheads. Some acne is so severe that dermatologists label it cystic acne, and it's the kind which can lead to scarring.

While your skin doctor sees far more adolescents for outbreaks of acne in Rockville, many patients are adults, too. In fact, a full five percent are, says the American Academy of Dermatology, and this skin problem shows up in increasing numbers among women in their mid-years.

Whatever the age, acne blemishes form when sebaceous glands in the skin secrete an oily substance called sebum. Due to various factors, these glands become plugged up and sometimes infected, forming acne lesions. Typically, acne shows up on the face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and back. Poor personal hygiene, a fatty diet, and shaving can aggravate the condition, but actual causes are many and often unclear.

Causes of acne

For the adult, some medications, such as steroids, may lead to outbreaks. However, as with the adolescent who struggles with acne, the adult version may be linked to hormones. Pregnancy, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and birth control pills are contributors. Stress, and its related body chemicals, factors in as well.

What you can do

If you are struggling with adult acne, you can get relief from the discomfort and embarrassment when you come to Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville. Your dermatologist will examine your skin and ask you about your medical history. Treatment takes time and patience, but with persistence, your skin can clear.

Typical treatments plans often include over-the-counter and/or prescription preparations with salicylic acid, retinoids (derived from vitamin A), and benzoyl peroxide. These medications unclog pores and reduce the "oiliness" of the skin. In addition, the doctor may advise in-office extraction of selected lesions, birth control pills to regulate hormones, and antibiotics (creams or oral) to heal the infection.

Day to day, all acne patients should treat their skin gently, avoiding excessive sun exposure and tanning, picking at lesions and scrubbing their faces or other affected areas too vigorously. Warm water and a gentle face soap or acne scrub applied with a soft wash cloth cleanses blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and the surrounding skin.

Have hope

Your skin can improve. If you are suffering with adult acne, please contact Shade Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, for a consultation with one of our caring and expert physicians. Call today at (240) 246-7417.