Adult Acne

Adult acne is a very common condition affecting 1 in 5 men and 1 in 2 women. Like teenage acne, adult acne is a dermatological condition of the skin resulting in bumps ranging from small to large, and may be inflamed or painful. Some adults suffer from periodic pimples, while others often get large, prolonged outbreaks.

Many cases of acne in adolescence can be attributed to diet and hygiene; however, the causes of adult acne are largely unknown. Bacteria in the pores and either reduced or increased oil production is responsible for the development of outbreaks, but the reasons behind these problems are still a mystery.

Adult acne is usually a by-product of genetics. An adult who suffered from severe or persistent acne in adolescence is more likely to experience frequent or prolonged outbreaks in adulthood. Adult acne can appear anywhere on the body, and may become inflamed, or develop into serious cases of nodules or cysts.

Some causes of adult acne can be triggered by hormonal changes. Stress is often a prerequisite to an outbreak. For someone whose outbreaks are the result of excessive stress, learning to manage daily activities may be the only solution to effective treatment.

Adult acne has also been shown to flair during menopause, when hormones are changing in the body. Sometimes the outbreaks will stop after menopause. Other times, frequent flaring will always be present. Because menopause cannot be stopped, a doctor will likely prescribe oral antibiotics or a topical cream to help control the flare ups.

If unusual cases of outbreaks are are experienced, an allergic reaction to new cologne, medicine, or cosmetic may be responsible. If an outbreak occurs immediately after the use of a new product, such as a new facial toner or after shave, the acne may be the result of follicle irritation. If the outbreaks stop with discontinued use of the product, then it is an allergic reaction, and use of the product should be discontinued.

Treatments for adult acne vary by case, and are usually best determined by a dermatologist. Some will recommended commonly available over-the-counter medication to treat the infections. For more severe cases, application of oral antibiotics or corticosteroid injections may be recommended.

Often times, simple lifestyle changes will prevent outbreaks. Washing the face twice daily with an astringent will flush the pores of excess dead skin and oil. Avoiding excess sugar and fat while eating an appropriate amount of fiber will aid proper digestion. Without proper digestion, bodily toxins will be pushed through the skin, resulting in large, painful outbreaks.

Adult acne is very common and can happen at any age. Simple lifestyle changes and topical creams are usually effective in treating the disorder. Eating correctly, applying sunscreen, using astringents, and avoiding personal irritants are nearly always effective. If they are not, however, see a doctor. While less severe cases of pustules may likely nothing more than unsightly bumps, failure to treat them could result in deep, inflamed nodules and cysts, which are extremely painful and often scar.