Acne can be a very embarrassing problem. The condition affects a large percentage of the population. In the United States, about 20 million people suffer from this condition at any one time. It is also more common in women than men. There are many causes of acne and some of them are genetic. However, the main cause of acne is the overproduction of sebum by the oil glands. Sebum is a fatty substance that lubricates the skin.
The oil glands are found all over the body. They are located mostly on the face and neck. The most common areas affected by acne are the cheeks, chin, nose, upper lip and forehead. If you have acne on these areas, you should consider visiting your doctor. Your doctor will probably prescribe oral antibiotics or topical medications. He may also suggest a mild prescription acne product. These products are designed to clear up the problem without causing side effects. Some of the most common products include Retin-A, Accutane and Benzoyl Peroxide. If your acne does not respond to medication, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist. This type of doctor specializes in treating skin conditions such as acne. He may recommend that you take oral contraceptives. This may help to reduce the amount of hormones in your system. You should consult your physician before using oral contraceptives.
In some cases, the cause of acne is unknown. This is called idiopathic acne. In this case, you may want to consider visiting a dermatologist. The doctor may suggest a variety of treatments. These treatments include oral medications, oral contraceptives, laser therapy, and surgery. Laser therapy is usually used to treat facial acne. This treatment uses light energy to destroy bacteria and dead skin cells. Surgery is only used in extreme cases of severe acne. The doctor may also prescribe oral medications, oral contraceptives or a combination of both. Oral medications are often prescribed because they are less expensive and easier to use. You should visit your physician to determine which type of treatment is best for you.
