by Manuel Calixto, Dermatologist in Lifeclinic® - Health care

About 80% of young people live their whole adolescence marked by acne, a chronic skin and hormonal influences arising from genetic, because it is so common, is regarded by medical experts as virtually universal during this period, although it can persist in adulthood. Stay alert, treat yourself and your skin's health. Follow the advice of specialist.

Acne is a skin disease that manifests itself in adolescence and adulthood affects both sexes, aged 11 years and 30 years of age. Being a typically self-limited disease, ie about 12% of females with the disease may continue until the fourth decade of life, against only 3% of males. It is generally located on the face, chest and upper half mostly on the back. It is characterized by open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads), papules (red spots), pustules (pimples with pus), nodules and scars.

Diagnosis of Acne is primarily clinical and requires the physician to pay close attention in analyzing the patient's personality, because the real impact of the disease is difficult to objectify and there is a significant disparity between the severity of acne and psychological distress (change in self image trust, statement ...) resulting therefrom. Higher rates of school failure and unemployment, depression and anxiety, social rejection and isolation are some of the negative repercussions of this pathology.

Learn more about Acne
Acne is a very common condition with major psychosocial impact and there are many myths passed down through the ages:

- Wash your face more times during the day prevents Acne?
No. Despite the persisting wrong idea that acne may be associated with poor hygiene

- Acne improvement with the sun?
No. Although some people refer apparent improvement to sun exposure, the acne often worsens in the summer after

- The food cause acne?
No. Although some patients have noted an increase in some foods such as chocolate, olives, nuts, fried fast food and no scientific studies to prove the fact.

- Sexual practice is related to the appearance of Acne?
No.

- Can I squeeze pimples?
No.

A total prevention of Acne is very difficult. What can be done is to take measures in order not to increase the crises of Acne. In most cases, a visit to the dermatologist is mandatory in order to evaluate and prescribe appropriate treatment. The most important rules are to keep the skin clean, use sunscreen all year and do not squeeze pimples.

What better way to get rid of Acne?
The treatments for acne depends on many factors.

In the forms of Acne mild / moderate in both sexes, it is sufficient to prescribe topical therapy with keratolytic, anti-dandruff, topical antibiotics and topical retinoids now considered a first line of products. The products containing azelaic acid, glycolic or salicylic acid can be used during maintenance therapy as adjuvant. In more severe forms it is appropriate, too, the prescription of systemic therapy with oral antibiotics, hormone therapy and oral isotretinoin, which constituted a remarkable progress in therapy. However, this drug has side effects common but controllable, and should therefore be a treatment reserved for specialists.

Therefore all the therapeutic action needs to be carefully selected and sent to the individual clinical situation, explained, and explained to the patient for accountability and good adhesion to it. Concurrent planning should be done about the need for a regular periodic control until the natural healing of the disease.

Attention
If in doubt seek medical advice immediately.

 Dr. (PhD) Manuel Calixto, Dermatologist in Lifeclinic®

Make your appointment here. 

This article was published in BOA SAÚDE - O seu guia do bem estar magazine No. 2 of october.