Acne Treatment Guide

Pimples are not caused by the foods that you eat (such as chocolate, soft drinks or greasy foods) or by dirt (blackheads are caused by a pigment, not dirt), and you can't catch it from someone else. It can be made worse by pinching pimples, harsh scrubbing which irritates the skin, certain cosmetics which can further block oil ducts, and emotional stress.

Pimples usually improve by the time you are twenty - twenty five years old, but can be brought under control sooner with the proper measures.

• Wash (but don't scrub) your skin twice a day with a mild soap. Avoid harsh cleansers or scrubs, as they can irritate your skin.
• Don't pop or pinch pimples.
• Use noncomedogenic cosmetics and moisturizers and don't put oily or greasy substances on your face or hair.
  

Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% 5% 10%
This is the most effective medication available OTC (such as PersaGel or Clearasel) and helps to kill bacteria, unplug oil ducts and heal pimples. You should start with a low strength once a day and work up to 10% twice a day. Apply it to all areas where pimples occur, and not just on your current pimples.

If you do not see improvement in 4-6 weeks using OTC an OTC medication with benzoyl peroxide, then you should see your Pediatrician about using a prescription medication:

Benzamycin Topical Gel
This is a combination of 5% Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin (an antibiotic) and it must be kept in the refrigerator and may bleach clothing. Apply a thin layer of it to affected areas after washing once or twice a day. Use it in the morning only if you are also using Retin A at night.

Benzaclin Topical Gel
This is a combination of 5% Benzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin (an antibiotic) and doesn't need to be kept in the refrigerator. Apply a thin layer of it to affected areas after washing once or twice a day. Use it in the morning only if you are also using Retin A at night.

Retin A 0.025% 0.05% 0.1% cream
Retin A cream helps unplug oil ducts and should be applied to the affected areas at least 20-30 minutes after washing (applying it to wet skin may cause irritation). Use a small amount (one pea-sized dose is enough for your entire face) every third night, and if tolerated, increase to every other night and then every night.

If your skin can't tolerate Retin A cream, there is a Retin A Microsphere gel that is less irritating, or you can try some of the newer medicines, including Azelex, Tazorac or Differin gel.

Oral antibiotics such as Tetracycline or Minocin (minocycline) are sometimes used if topical therapy with a combination of benzoyl peroxide with a topical antibiotic and Retin A doesn't clear up your skin. They are used twice a day until your pimples have cleared up (usually 4-5 months), and then are slowly weaned off.

• Use moisturizers if your skin is becoming dry.
• If starting more than one new medicine, consider starting with just one and then waiting two or three weeks before beginning the other one.
• You can also begin a new medicine by applying it every third night, and then gradually increasing it to every other night and then every night.
• Another alternative is washing the medicine off after about five minutes. Each night, you can then leave it on for longer periods of time before washing it off.
• In general liquid and solution forms of medications are less irritating than creams and gels, so you can try using a different form of the medication if you can't tolerate it well.

• Be patient. It can take 3-6 weeks to see improvement and your skin may get worse before it starts getting better.
• Use your medicines every day. If your skin is getting too irritated, red or dry, then start using them every other day. It takes time for your skin to adapt to your new medicines.
• Accutane can cause severe birth defects, and should never be taken by someone who may become pregnant.
• Don't overdo it! Scrubbing your skin or using too much of these medicines can irritate and dry out your skin and won't make your pimples go away any quicker.
• Protect your skin from the sun. These medicines will make your skin more sensitive to the effects of the sun.
• Call your physician if you haven't improved in 4-6 weeks with your current regimen.

Recommended Reading List:

In association with amazon.com, these books describe how pimples form, discusses the causes of pimples, self treatments, blackhead removal, use of common medication (minocycline, retin a, accutane, etc.), when to see a dermatologist, and outlines strategies to limit or prevent pimples.

• The Beauty Bible : From Pimples to Wrinkles and Everything in Between
• Overcoming Acne : The How and Why of Healthy Skin Care
• The Good Skin Doctor : A Dermatologist's Survival Guide to Acne
• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beautiful Skin
• Skin Care : Clear & Simple

	Web keepkidshealthy.com

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