Overview

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest. This condition can be irritating but it’s not contagious, and it doesn’t cause permanent hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis may go away without treatment. Or you may need to use medicated shampoo or other products long term to clear up symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Seborrheic dermatitis is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema. When it occurs in infants, it’s called cradle cap.

Symptoms

Seborrheic dermatitis signs and symptoms may include:

• Flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache
• Patches of greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits, groin area or under the breasts
• Rash that may look darker or lighter in people with brown or Black skin and redder in those with white skin
• Ring-shaped (annular) rash, for a type called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis
• Itchiness (pruritus)

The signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis tend to flare with stress, fatigue or a change of season.

When to see a doctor

See your health care provider if:

• You’re so uncomfortable that you’re losing sleep or are distracted from your daily routines.
• Your condition makes you feel embarrassed or anxious.
• You think your skin is infected.
• You’ve tried self-care steps, but your symptoms persist.

Causes

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis isn’t clear. It may be due to the yeast Malassezia, excess oil in the skin or a problem in the immune system.

Risk factors

Risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• A change of season
• Nervous system conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease
• Having a mental health condition, such as depression
• Immune system disorders, such as HIV infection
• Recovery from stressful medical conditions, such as a heart attack

References

• American Academy of Dermatology. Skin conditions by the numbers. www.aad.org.
• Christopher, Tanya, Daniel Creamer,  John R, Rosalind C. 2022. Rook’s Dermatology Handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances, information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility for any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Overview

Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, most commonly occurring on areas exposed to sunlight. However, it can also develop on skin that is not typically exposed to sunlight. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is advised to limit or avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Regularly checking the skin for any suspicious changes is crucial for detecting skin cancer at its early stages, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Symptoms

Where skin cancer develops

Symptoms of skin cancer often appear on sun-exposed areas, including the face, scalp, neck, arms, and hands, but can also be found in less exposed areas like the palms, beneath fingernails, toenails, and genital area. Even individuals with darker skin tones can be affected by skin cancer, and in such cases, melanoma may appear in areas not usually exposed to sunlight, such as the palms of hands and soles of feet.

Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your neck or face.

Squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms

Most often, squamous cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face, ears and hands. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas that aren’t often exposed to the sun.

Melanoma signs and symptoms

Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. In both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that hasn’t been exposed to the sun.

Melanoma can affect people of any skin tone. In people with darker skin tones, melanoma tends to occur on the palms or soles, or under the fingernails or toenails.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any changes to your skin that worry you. Not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer. Your doctor will investigate your skin changes to determine a cause.

Causes

Skin cancer occurs when errors (mutations) occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells.

Cells involved in skin cancer

Skin cancer begins in your skin’s top layer — the epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer that provides a protective cover of skin cells that your body continually sheds. The epidermis contains three main types of cells:

• Squamous cells lie just below the outer surface and function as the skin’s inner lining.
• Basal cells, which produce new skin cells, sit beneath the squamous cells.
• Melanocytes — which produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its normal color — are located in the lower part of your epidermis. Melanocytes produce more melanin when you’re in the sun to help protect the deeper layers of your skin.

Where your skin cancer begins determines its type and your treatment options.

Ultraviolet light and other potential causes

Much of the damage to DNA in skin cells results from ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight and in the lights used in tanning beds. But sun exposure doesn’t explain skin cancers that develop on skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. This indicates that other factors may contribute to your risk of skin cancer, such as being exposed to toxic substances or having a condition that weakens your immune system.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of skin cancer include:

• Fair skin. Anyone, regardless of skin color, can get skin cancer. However, having less pigment (melanin) in your skin provides less protection from damaging UV radiation. If you have blond or red hair and light-colored eyes, and you freckle or sunburn easily, you’re much more likely to develop skin cancer than is a person with darker skin.
• A history of sunburns. Having had one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teenager increases your risk of developing skin cancer as an adult. Sunburns in adulthood also are a risk factor.
• Excessive sun exposure. Anyone who spends considerable time in the sun may develop skin cancer, especially if the skin isn’t protected by sunscreen or clothing. Tanning, including exposure to tanning lamps and beds, also puts you at risk. A tan is your skin’s injury response to excessive UV radiation.
• Sunny or high-altitude climates. People who live in sunny, warm climates are exposed to more sunlight than are people who live in colder climates. Living at higher elevations, where the sunlight is strongest, also exposes you to more radiation.
• Moles. People who have many moles or abnormal moles called dysplastic nevi are at increased risk of skin cancer. These abnormal moles — which look irregular and are generally larger than normal moles — are more likely than others to become cancerous. If you have a history of abnormal moles, watch them regularly for changes.
• Precancerous skin lesions. Having skin lesions known as actinic keratoses can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. These precancerous skin growths typically appear as rough, scaly patches that range in color from brown to dark pink. They’re most common on the face, head and hands of fair-skinned people whose skin has been sun damaged.
• A family history of skin cancer. If one of your parents or a sibling has had skin cancer, you may have an increased risk of the disease.
• A personal history of skin cancer. If you developed skin cancer once, you’re at risk of developing it again.
• A weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. This includes people living with HIV/AIDS and those taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant.
• Exposure to radiation. People who received radiation treatment for skin conditions such as eczema and acne may have an increased risk of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma.
• Exposure to certain substances. Exposure to certain substances, such as arsenic, may increase your risk of skin cancer.

Prevention

Most skin cancers are preventable. To protect yourself, follow these skin cancer prevention tips:

• Avoid the sun during the middle of the day. For many people in North America, the sun’s rays are strongest between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule outdoor activities for other times of the day, even in winter or when the sky is cloudy.

You absorb UV radiation year-round, and clouds offer little protection from damaging rays. Avoiding the sun at its strongest helps you avoid the sunburns and suntans that cause skin damage and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure accumulated over time also may cause skin cancer.

• Wear sunscreen year-round. Sunscreens don’t filter out all harmful UV radiation, especially the radiation that can lead to melanoma. But they play a major role in an overall sun protection program.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring. Use a generous amount of sunscreen on all exposed skin, including your lips, the tips of your ears, and the backs of your hands and neck.

• Wear protective clothing. Sunscreens don’t provide complete protection from UV rays. So cover your skin with dark, tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a broad-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than a baseball cap or visor does.

Some companies also sell photoprotective clothing. A dermatologist can recommend an appropriate brand.

Don’t forget sunglasses. Look for those that block both types of UV radiation — UVA and UVB rays.

• Avoid tanning beds. Lights used in tanning beds emit UV rays and can increase your risk of skin cancer.
• Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications. Some common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including antibiotics, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of any medications you take. If they increase your sensitivity to sunlight, take extra precautions to stay out of the sun in order to protect your skin.

• Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor. Examine your skin often for new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks.

With the help of mirrors, check your face, neck, ears and scalp. Examine your chest and trunk, and the tops and undersides of your arms and hands. Examine both the front and back of your legs, and your feet, including the soles and the spaces between your toes. Also check your genital area and between your buttocks.

References

• Sewon Kang, Masayuki Amagai, Anna L. Bruckner, Alexander H. Enk, David J. Margolis, Amy J. McMichael, Jeffrey S. Orringer.  20019. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine.
• Christopher, Tanya, Daniel Creamer,  John R, Rosalind C. 2022. Rook’s Dermatology Handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
• American Academy of Dermatology. Skin conditions by the numbers. www.aad.org.

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances, information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility for any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Overview

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — are generally acquired by sexual contact. The bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.

Sometimes these infections can be transmitted nonsexually, such as from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.

STIs don’t always cause symptoms. It’s possible to contract sexually transmitted infections from people who seem perfectly healthy and may not even know they have an infection.

Symptoms

STDs or STIs can have a range of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms. That’s why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed.

Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STI include:

• Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
• Painful or burning urination
• Discharge from the penis
• Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

Signs and symptoms may appear a few days after exposure. However, it may take years before you have any noticeable problems, depending on the organism causing the STI.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor immediately if:

• You are sexually active and may have been exposed to an STI
• You have signs and symptoms of an STI

Make an appointment with a doctor:

• When you’re considering becoming sexually active or when you’re 21 — whichever comes first
• Before you start having sex with a new partner

Causes

STDs or STIs can be caused by:

• Bacteria. Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STIs that are caused by bacteria.
• Parasites. Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a parasite.
• Viruses. STIs caused by viruses include HPV, genital herpes and HIV.

Other kinds of infections — hepatitis A, B and C viruses, shigella infection and giardia infection — can be spread through sexual activity, but it’s possible to be infected without sexual contact.

Risk factors

Anyone who is sexually active risks some degree of exposure to an STD or STI. Factors that may increase that risk include:

• Having unprotected sex. Vaginal or anal penetration by an infected partner who isn’t wearing a latex condom significantly increases the risk of getting an STI. Improper or inconsistent use of condoms can also increase risk.

Oral sex may be less risky, but infections can still be transmitted without a latex condom or a dental dam — a thin, square piece of rubber made with latex or silicone.

• Having sexual contact with multiple partners. The more people you have sexual contact with, the greater your risk.
• Having a history of STIs. Having one STI makes it much easier for another STI to take hold.
• Being forced to engage in sexual activity. Dealing with rape or assault is difficult, but it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to receive screening, treatment and emotional support.
• Misuse of alcohol or use of recreational drugs. Substance misuse can inhibit your judgment, making you more willing to participate in risky behaviors.
• Injecting drugs. Needle sharing spreads many serious infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
• Being young. Half the new STIs occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Transmission from mothers to infants

Certain STIs — such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis — can be passed from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or delivery. STIs in infants can cause serious problems or even death. All pregnant women should be screened for these infections and treated.

Complications

Because many people in the early stages of an STD or STI experience no symptoms, screening for STIs is important to prevent complications.

Possible complications include:

• Pelvic pain
• Pregnancy complications
• Eye inflammation
• Arthritis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Infertility
• Heart disease
• Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers

Prevention

There are several ways to avoid or reduce your risk of STDs or STIs.

• Abstain. The most effective way to avoid STIs is to not have (abstain from) sex.
• Stay with one uninfected partner. Another reliable way of avoiding STIs is to stay in a long-term relationship in which both people have sex only with each other and neither partner is infected.
• Wait and test. Avoid vaginal and anal intercourse with new partners until you have both been tested for STIs. Oral sex is less risky, but use a latex condom or dental dam to prevent skin-to-skin contact between the oral and genital mucous membranes.
• Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated early, before sexual exposure, is also effective in preventing certain types of STIs. Vaccines are available to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
• Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly. Use a new latex condom or dental dam for each sex act, whether oral, vaginal or anal. Never use an oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, with a latex condom or dental dam.
• Don’t drink alcohol excessively or use drugs. If you’re under the influence, you’re more likely to take sexual risks.
• Communicate. Before any serious sexual contact, communicate with your partner about practicing safer sex. Be sure you specifically agree on what activities will and won’t be OK.
• Consider male circumcision. For men, there’s evidence that circumcision can help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV from a woman with HIV by as much as 60%. Male circumcision may also help prevent transmission of genital HPV and genital herpes.

STD screening

STD screening is essential for sexually active individuals. It detects infections, including asymptomatic ones, through blood, urine, or swab tests. Regular screening is vital to prevent spread, and confidentiality is maintained. Common STDs screened include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, and HPV. Partner notification services may be available. If concerned, seek testing and advice from a healthcare professional.

References

• Gamoudi D, Flew S, Cusini M, Benardon S, Poder A, Radcliffe K. 2018 European guideline on the organization of a consultation for sexually transmitted infections. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Aug. 33 (8):1452-1458.
• Christopher, Tanya, Daniel Creamer,  John R, Rosalind C. 2022. Rook’s Dermatology Handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
• American Academy of Dermatology. Skin conditions by the numbers. www.aad.org.
• Sewon Kang, Masayuki Amagai, Anna L. Bruckner, Alexander H. Enk, David J. Margolis, Amy J. McMichael, Jeffrey S. Orringer.  20019. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine.

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances, information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility for any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Overview

Wrinkles, a natural part of aging, are most prominent on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, neck, hands and forearms.

Although genetics mainly determine skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially for people with light skin. Pollutants and smoking also contribute to wrinkling.

If your wrinkles bother you, you have more options than ever to help smooth them or make them less visible. Medications, skin-resurfacing techniques, fillers and surgery top the list of effective wrinkle treatments.

Symptoms

Wrinkles are the lines and creases that form in your skin. Some wrinkles can become deep crevices or furrows and may be especially noticeable around your eyes, mouth and neck.

When to see a doctor

If you’re concerned about the appearance of your skin, see a dermatologist. He or she can assess your skin and help you create a personalized skin care plan. A dermatologist can also recommend medical wrinkle treatments.

Causes

Wrinkles are caused by a combination of factors — some you can control, others you can’t:

• Age. As you get older, your skin naturally becomes less elastic and more fragile. Decreased production of natural oils dries your skin and makes it appear more wrinkled.

Fat in the deeper layers of your skin diminishes. This causes loose, saggy skin and more-pronounced lines and crevices.

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Ultraviolet radiation, which speeds the natural aging process, is the primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis).

Without the supportive connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Skin then begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

• Smoking. Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. This may be due to smoking’s effect on collagen.
• Repeated facial expressions. Facial movements and expressions, such as squinting or smiling, lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time you use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin. And as skin ages, it loses its flexibility and is no longer able to spring back in place. These grooves then become permanent features on your face.

Prevention

Here are some tips for protecting your skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles:

• Protect your skin from the sun. Limit the time you spend in the sun, especially midday, and always wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses. Also, use sunscreen year-round when outdoors.

Choose a skin-care product with a built-in sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.

• Use products with built-in sunscreen. When selecting skin care products, choose those with a broad-spectrum sunscreen — meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
• Moisturize. Dry skin shrivels plump skin cells, which can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizing traps water in your skin, which helps mask tiny lines and creases. It may take a few weeks of regular use of the product before you notice any improvement in your skin.
• Don’t smoke. Even if you’ve smoked for years or smoke heavily, you can still improve your skin tone and texture and prevent wrinkles by quitting smoking.
• Eat a healthy diet. There is some evidence that certain vitamins in your diet help protect your skin. More study is needed on the role of nutrition, but it’s good to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Treatment

Surgical procedures and non-surgical techniques

A variety of procedures are used to smooth out wrinkles. Some studies indicate that a combination of treatments may yield the most satisfying results. Talk with your doctor about what’s important to you and which approach would best meet your needs and expectations as far as recovery time and results.

• Laser resurfacing. In ablative (wounding) laser resurfacing, a laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis). This stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. As the wound heals, smoother, tighter skin forms. Laser resurfacing can’t eliminate excessive or sagging skin.

Laser resurfacing may be done as an outpatient procedure, usually with a local anesthetic. You may be fully sedated for extensive resurfacing. It can take several months to fully heal from ablative laser resurfacing. A newer method using fractional lasers has a shorter recovery time. Risks include scarring and lightening or darkening of skin color.

A technique called nonablative laser fractional resurfacing has a shorter healing time and fewer risks than does the ablative technique. Nonablative lasers are better suited to people with moderate wrinkles because results are subtle. This treatment needs to be repeated more often than does ablative treatment. This method also can be done with a fractional laser.

• Micro-needling. Micro-needling, or skin needling, is a facial rejuvenation procedure that uses a device with several tiny needles that poke you to create a miniature wound in the top layer of your skin (epidermis). This wound heals within minutes and causes new collagen and elastin to form as your skin heals. Micro-needling is effective at improving wrinkles or fine lines in your skin.

• Chemical peel. Your doctor applies a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back after a chemical peel is smoother. Depending on the depth of the peel, you may need several treatments before you see a difference in your skin. Redness lasts up to several weeks. Possible side effects include scarring, infection, and lightening or darkening of skin color.

• Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion sands down the surface layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush. New skin grows in its place. You may need to undergo the procedure more than once.

Possible side effects include temporary redness, scabbing and swelling. It may take several months for pinkness to fade and for you to see results.

• Microdermabrasion. Similar to dermabrasion, this technique removes only a fine layer of skin. You’ll need a series of treatments over months to produce modest, temporary results. If you have rosacea or tiny red veins on your face, this technique could make the condition worse.

You may notice a slight redness or stinging sensation on the treated areas.

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox). When injected in small doses into specific muscles, Botox keeps the muscles from contracting. When the muscles can’t tighten, the skin appears smoother and less wrinkled.

Botox works well on frown lines between the eyebrows and across the forehead and on crow’s-feet at the eye corners. It takes one to three days to see results. The effect typically lasts a few months. Repeat injections are needed to maintain results.

• Soft tissue fillers. Soft tissue fillers, which include fat, collagen and hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, others), can be injected into wrinkles on your face. They plump and smooth wrinkles and furrows. You may experience temporary swelling, redness and bruising in the treated area. The effect of most products is temporary.

• Face-lift. The face-lift procedure involves tightening the underlying muscle and tissues. It may be done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility, with a local anesthetic, sedation or general anesthesia. Healing times can be lengthy after a face-lift. Bruising and swelling are usually evident for several weeks after surgery.

Face-lift results are not permanent. You may choose to undergo another face-lift several years later.

Keep in mind that results vary depending on the location and depth of your wrinkles. Nothing stops the aging process of skin, so you’ll likely need repeated treatments to maintain benefits.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology. Skin conditions by the numbers. www.aad.org.
• Goesel Anson, MD, FACS and others, Sleep Wrinkles: Facial Aging and Facial Distortion During Sleep, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 36, Issue 8, September 2016

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances, information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility for any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Overview

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up.

Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.

Symptoms

Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition:

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)

Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.

When to see a doctor

If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in the skin (Dermatologist).

For many women, acne can persist for decades, with flares common a week before menstruation. This type of acne tends to clear up without treatment in women who use contraceptives.

In older adults, a sudden onset of severe acne may signal an underlying disease requiring medical attention.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that some popular nonprescription acne lotions, cleansers and other skin products can cause a serious reaction. This type of reaction is quite rare, so don’t confuse it with any redness, irritation or itchiness that occurs in areas where you’ve applied medications or products.

Seek emergency medical help if after using a skin product you experience:

• Faintness
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• Tightness of the throat

Causes

Four main factors cause acne:

• Excess oil (sebum) production
• Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
• Bacteria
• Inflammation

Factors that trigger or worsen acne:

• Hormonal changes. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormone changes during midlife, particularly in women, can lead to breakouts too.
• Certain medications. Examples include drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.
• Diet. Studies indicate that consuming certain foods — including carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, bagels and chips — may worsen acne. 
• Stress. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but if you have acne already, stress may make it worse.

Acne myths

These factors have little effect on acne:

• Chocolate and greasy foods. Eating chocolate or greasy food has little to no effect on acne.
• Hygiene. Acne isn’t caused by dirty skin. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse.
• Cosmetics. Cosmetics don’t necessarily worsen acne, especially if you use oil-free makeup that doesn’t clog pores (non-comedogenics) and remove makeup regularly. Non oily cosmetics don’t interfere with the effectiveness of acne drugs.

Complications

People with darker skin types are more likely than are people with lighter skin to experience these acne complications:

• Scars. Pitted skin (acne scars) and thick scars (keloids) can remain long-term after acne has healed.
• Skin changes. After acne has cleared, the affected skin may be darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) than before the condition occurred.

Risk factors

Risk factors for acne include:

• Age. People of all ages can get acne, but it’s most common in teenagers.
• Hormonal changes. Such changes are common during puberty or pregnancy.
• Family history. Genetics plays a role in acne. If both of your parents had acne, you’re likely to develop it too.
• Greasy or oily substances. You may develop acne where your skin comes into contact with oil or oily lotions and creams.
• Friction or pressure on your skin. This can be caused by items such as telephones, cellphones, helmets, tight collars and backpacks.

References

• Christopher, Tanya, Daniel Creamer,  John R, Rosalind C. 2022. Rook’s Dermatology Handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
• American Academy of Dermatology. Skin conditions by the numbers. www.aad.org.
• Sewon Kang, Masayuki Amagai, Anna L. Bruckner, Alexander H. Enk, David J. Margolis, Amy J. McMichael, Jeffrey S. Orringer.  20019. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine.

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances, information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility for any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.