Although some people often dismiss pimples, acne can actually cause significant physical and emotional scars.
Acne is a skin condition that can range from mild to severe and involves the oil producing glands in the skin. Presenting as blackheads, whiteheads, bumps, cysts, nodules, or a combination of all, acne can appear on the face, neck, back, chest and/or shoulders.
Due to acne having many different possible causes such as hormones, genetics or medications, acne can affect not only teens, but adults as well.
As acne can often affect the face, it can cause embarrassment and frustration and can eventually cause problems with self-esteem and anxiety. In addition to the emotional, acne can also have lasting effects of scarring and discoloration of the skin.
See your healthcare professional if:
[ ] Your acne is getting worse.
[ ] Scars or dark marks are developing with your acne.
[ ] You have a family history of moderate-severe acne and your acne is getting worse.
[ ] There is no improvement in your acne after 6 – 8 weeks of over the counter products treatment.
[ ] You can’t tolerate over the counter acne treatments or have had side effects.
[ ] For females, your periods are irregular, there is increased body hair growth, and your acne is getting worse.
[ ] There are large, red, painful nodules or cysts under the skin.
[ ] You have extensive acne on the face, and possibly the trunk.
There are different options for treatment, discuss what could be right for you.