Overview of Adult Acne
If the word acne is something you associate with distant memories of your teenage years, consider yourself lucky. In the United States, cases of adult acne are on the rise and researchers are at a loss to determine the exact cause of the increase. Acne vulgaris is characterized by outbreaks of tender, red, pus-filled bumps over the face, neck, back or chest. It's not only the painful bumps that cause a host of problems for sufferers. Oftentimes people with acne suffer from embarrassment and shame due to the condition, and may avoid social situations or even work if the outbreak is severe. The psychological impact of adult acne is often quite serious, and some individuals also suffer from depression as a result of the condition.
Why the sudden increase?
There are a number of theories as to what causes acne. Acne can be caused by a change in hormone levels, and while it is most often associated with puberty, acne can also arise during pregnancy or menopause. Some research indicates that stress may also be a leading cause of acne outbreaks, which may shed some light on the sudden increased incidence of the condition in American adults, many of whom lead a strenuous life. Additional research points toward evidence that diet may be the culprit behind adult acne. Although previous research theorized that there were no direct links between food and acne, current scientists are beginning to rethink that hypothesis. The typical American diet is frequently full of fast foods, sugars, caffeine and alcohol, all of which can lead to increased toxicity and inflammation in the body. When our bodies are overtaxed, our organs, especially the liver, cannot keep up with the increased toxic burden. The excess toxins are then filtered out for elimination by organs such as the lungs and skin, and an increase in toxins and bacteria are then deposited on the surface of the skin. This may cause an increase in the frequency or severity of skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis.
Treatment
Over the years many different treatments for acne have become available. Ranging from prescription drugs to dietary changes, these treatments also vary greatly in cost, side effects, and efficacy.
- Prescription drugs
There are a number of prescriptions available for treating acne, ranging from antibiotics to vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids. One commonly prescribed oral retinoid is Accutane, which reduces the body's amount of oil production. Though effective for treating some acne patients, side effects associated with this form of treatment can be quite severe and include birth defects, liver damage, dry skin, and nosebleeds. Patients taking this drug are often closely monitored by their doctors.
- Topical treatments
Topical treatments are another common way to combat adult acne. Topicals are available by prescription or purchased over-the-counter, and may contain a number of different antibacterial or exfoliating additives. Some topicals are used for treatment of skin eruptions to hasten the healing process, while others assist in sloughing off dead skin in an attempt to prevent the pores from becoming clogged.
- Extractions
Some acne patients have eruptions removed by dermatologists or aestheticians in a procedure known as an extraction. This procedure, although usually quick, can be painful and if necessary to repeat often can become costly. If performed incorrectly, extractions may also cause scarring.
- Phototherapy
Phototherapy utilizes special lights which emit UV rays directed onto the area affected by acne. Patients are then asked to treat the area with topical lotions as well. This method of treatment is effective for many patients, but is quite costly, and must be repeated to maintain results.
- Diet and lifestyle
Some acne sufferers have found relief by modifying their diet and lifestyle choices. Current research indicates that acne and other skin conditions may be caused by inflammation in the body as a result of an overabundance of built-up toxins.When an individual consumes foods that contain simple (refined) carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, chemicals and additives, toxins in the system may not be adequately processed by the liver. By examining the diet and eliminating foods that can overtax the system, acne sufferers may see improvement in their condition.
How We Help
At DermaHarmony, our goals are to educate chronic skin care suffers about dermatology, share what contributes to health and wellness, and support our readers in any way we can. Our programs promote healthy skin with nutritional supplements, topical treatments and dietary guidance. Learn more about our programs or call us toll-free at 1-800-827-3730. Our Support Desk is open 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday.
Our skin assessment is designed to help us get a better understanding of your symptoms and to make diet and lifestyle recommendations for you. It is simple, free, takes just five minutes to complete. Take our skin assessment.
References:
CHOICE - Citizens for Healthy Options In Children's Education. November 2003. Acne has nothing to do with diet - wrong! The McDougall Newsletter. URL: http://www.choiceusa.net/news_articleAcne&Diet11.03.htm (accessed electronically August 10, 2006).
DeNoon, D. 2006. Acne... again? WebMD. URL: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/72/81835.htm (accessed electronically August 10, 2006).
Earls, D. 2005. Your Healing Diet - A Quick Guide to Reversing Psoriasis and Chronic Diseases with Healing Foods. Charleston, SC: BookSurge Publishing.
Latona, V. 2000. Saving face — adult acne. Vegetarian Times. URL: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_2000_August/ai_63902656
(accessed electronically August 11, 2006).
Lipski, E., 2005. Digestive Wellness. NY: McGraw-Hill.
Pagano, J. 1991. Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Pagano Organization, Inc.
Principal Author: K. Kastelein, Editor-in-Chief
Date of Publication: 08/25/2006
Article Last Updated: 04/28/2010
This website is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America.
Pursuant to Title 17, United States Code, the owner of this content has filed a valid certificate of registration with the United States Copyright Office.
The statements within this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. If pregnant or nursing, please consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement.
You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase products.
Individual results do vary.