Acne is an inflammation of the hair follicles and oil glands in certain areas of the body (face, back, chest) that occurs most frequently in adolescence. It is manifest as blackheads, papules, pus bumps, painful nodules and cysts. Discolored patches and pitted or depressed scars may follow all types of acne, but especially the more severe cases.

Factors that can worsen acne include: stress and occlusion or pressure on the skin (i.e. hats, leaning face on hand). Certain medications have also been shown to cause acne to flare. Hormonal influences are of great importance in acne breakouts, particularly for those patients who are past the teenage years. Flares up commonly occur in association with menstrual cycles. Acne is not caused by chocolate or fatty foods or, in fact, any kind of food.

Treatments for Acne include:

• Topical antibiotics
• Benzoyl peroxide creams and washes
• Salicylic acid preparations
• Vitamins
• Topical retinoids
• Oral antibiotics
• Oral retinoids
• Spironolactone
• Chemical (acid) peels
• Intralesional steroids
• Microdermabrasion (Silk Peel)
• Photodynamic therapy