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Acne
What is Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most teenagers and many adults. It occurs when the pilosebaceous follicles of the skin become blocked with excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells, leading to the development of whiteheads and blackheads. These blocked pores often become inflamed pimples, or deep, painful bumps may appear.

Acne most commonly appears on the face but can also occur on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.


A photograph depicting the face of a person suffering from acne How to Manage Acne

Acne can be managed with the proper medication or a combination of medications. There are several prescription treatments, both topical and oral, that are highly effective in treating the different types of acne. If you have tried OTC treatments (the ones you buy in pharmacies) with limited success, it may be time to see your doctor or a nurse.

It is always important to follow the instructions for applying these treatments, since using too much of the product will not help your skin get better faster and may even lead to irritation.




What to Expect

Effective acne therapy takes patience and perseverance. No medication — topical or oral — will work overnight. It may take up to 12 weeks for you to begin to see major improvement. Your doctor can help you understand how the process works and when you can expect to see results.

Depending on the medication, you may experience some minor irritation or dryness. In most cases, this will go away as your skin becomes accustomed to the treatment. A non-comedogenic moisturizer (one that won’t clog your pores) may be helpful to manage any dryness that may occur.

As acne is related to hormonal changes in the body, it may continue to appear over many years. You may also notice that it gets better — and worse — over certain periods of time. Following your doctor’s advice and a good treatment plan can help you manage your acne and keep your skin clear.

The Galderma website is not intended to promote the use of Galderma products or to provide information on which to base medical treatment. Please consult a dermatologist or other healthcare provider for more information about your condition and the product that is right for you.
Online Resources

Acne Support Group: www.stopspots.org (Pub)

British Association of Dermatologists: www.bad.org.uk (Prof)

Key:  Pub = Public Site,   Prof = Professional Site
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