Acne and Women

"Acne is definitely on the mind of many women today in America". With the need to look good being extremely important for young mothers, executives, and homemakers, more attention is now being focused on skin blemishes than ever. What has got everyone concerned is that women today are breaking out more than in the past. Recent studies by dermatologists have confirmed the fact that facial acne more frequently affects adult women than men. With all of the recent advances and breakthroughs in medical research and technology, why is this the case and cant’ something be done about it?

In short, the average American woman spends millions of dollars on skin products to make her look good. Some of these products are excellent and others can cause the skin to react. If you combine these variables with everyday stresses, which are also on the rise and hormonal influences you have the major ingredients for a "case of the blemishes". It is important to understand that there are different types of acne related conditions, i.e. Acne Rosacea and Perioral Dermatitis, and each requires a different approach by your skin care physician. Lets look at these in detail.

ACNE VULGARIS

Figure 1.  Example of Mechanical Acne (Oil gland influenced "blackhead and whitehead" acne)

ACNE ROSACEA

What is Acne Rosacea?

  
Figure 2. Example of Rosacea "Flush"

Rosacea (pronounced rose-ay-shah) is a disease affecting the skin of the face where the skin becomes flushed or reddened. Rosacea usually starts on the cheeks and can progress to involve the nose and eyes. Because the changes are gradual, it may be hard to recognize rosacea in its early stages. Unfortunately, many women mistake rosacea for a sunburn or a menopausal complexion change and do not see a dermatologist. Factors such as estrogen intake, sun exposure, alcohol ingestion, emotional stress and spicy foods can cause rosacea to flare. Though there is no cure, rosacea can be controlled with topical or oral antibiotics and the avoidance of the above listed factors.

How is acne usually treated in women?

This depends on the nature of the disorder. If it is determined that your acne eruption is routine, topical or oral antibiotics and exfoliating lotions are used to treat the condition. The latter will help to prevent oil "buildup" and skin cells adhering to one another. It is important to avoid makeup containing vegetable oil or lanolin as these can help to instigate a pomade acne. Here’s some good cosmetic advice…Use sable brushes when applying makeup and clean these on a regular basis. Pure pigment makeups with no reflective particles are best suited for acne and lighter colors tend to cause the least number of acne problems

If your skin problem is due to blackheads, your dermatologist can extract these or use Salicylic acid/Glycolic Acid Peels to help exfoliate the skin. It is extremely important to avoid picking or scratching bumps and blackheads yourself as swelling, inflammation, bacterial infections and scarring may result. It is common for pigmentation to persist in areas where acne lesions are severe. In cases due to ingrown hairs, hair removal therapies may be indicated. Finally in cases where acne consists of cysts or deep lesions, a medicine called Accutane™ may be employed. It is important that female patients on Accutane™ take precautions to avoid, pregnancy since this drug can cause severe birth defects if taken while one is pregnant. Periodic blood tests are required to look for changes in blood-fat or liver enzyme levels.

Acne today is a troubling disease for many adult women. Through education and early intervention, there is a way to identify the particular type of acne and quickly bring it under control. If you have questions about your skin, it is important to seek the help of a well trained skin care professional so that your acne troubles of today will be nothing more than a "mere memory

If you have any questions, or wish to schedule a consultation, please call  Ponte Vedra Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery at (904) 285-7546 or email consultation@pvderm.com