Acne is a condition that characterized most of the teenagers, but adults can also be affected this condition that can have an important impact on psychological comfort and self-image of people affected. Statistics indicate that this is actually a relatively common problem encountered of about one in five people presenting acne in adulthood, women are more affected than men. From a health perspective, the acne is called acne vulgaris during adolescence and should be distinguished from rosacea, a condition that occurs in adulthood.

Looks like acne?

Typical acne lesions are comedones, whiteheads or so-called blackhead, whether talking about the face, neck, chest or back, these are the areas most commonly affected. Comedones represent the accumulation of sebum and keratin. Primary lesions can evolve after inflammation, the appearance of papules, pustules (so-called pimples with pus) and even lumps or cysts, lesions may heal with profound appearance of pigmentation (spots) or various types of residual scars.

What are the causes?

Even in adulthood, hormonal fluctuations can occur and to induce acne. Androgens are hormones incriminated and their level may vary during menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, perimenopause, or even from taking certain types of contraceptive pill. Women may see acne in these circumstances. Adult acne predominantly affects women, but men are not spared either. Certain drugs or hormone therapy may also be guilty for the appearance of acne, so it is useful to ask your doctor about side effects of drugs administered during a certain treatment. Also, if one parent had acne, a person’s risk of developing acne in adulthood is higher. Certain diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, can trigger acne in adults.

What are the solutions?

The first thing I want to emphasize is that there are solutions and acne is a curable disease! Patients often get disappointed or frustrated after a dermatologist visit that he does not manage to overcome this problem, often being in a position to have previously tried various solutions, whether on the advice of an acquaintance, either on its own initiative, with results more or less conclusive. Each patient is an individual case and, although there are some general principles of treatment, therapy should be adapted to each case, so visit the dermatologist is the first step to be performed in solving a problem. Patients should also be realistic in terms of time. Often after 1-2 weeks therapy is abandoned because the results are not seen immediately. Is a frequently encountered mistake. It is very important to keep in touch with your dermatologist and go to regular checkups to monitor the evolution and adjust treatment if necessary.

Myths about acne:

• Acne is caused by inadequate hygiene
• Stress causes acne
• Certain foods cause acne: this has not been demonstrated, but is valid if rosacea, a balanced diet is still indicated.