Many options to treat adult acne

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’m a woman in my mid-50s plagued with acne for the first time in my life. Please help!

DEAR READER: Most people get acne in childhood – about 80 percent of teenagers suffer from it. However, it’s not that unusual for someone to first get it later in life.

Acne occurs when the lining of hair follicles becomes blocked. Hair follicles are little pores in the skin through which hairs grow. Tiny glands in the skin squirt body oils into the follicles. The oils can thicken and block the opening of the hair pores and the glands. Skin bacteria feed on the oils, and in doing so produce inflammatory substances. If the blockage of the glands and pores prevents the inflammatory substances from getting out, the result is acne.

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for acne. If you have mild acne that’s not inflamed, try a nonprescription cream or lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. This will help keep pores open and discourage the growth of bacteria.

Nonprescription creams or gels containing salicylic acid and sulfur can help existing acne to dry and peel. However, they won’t prevent new eruptions.

Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin are available with a prescription. Prescription antibiotic pills are even more effective. Both kill bacteria involved in the development of acne.

Retinoids are a common and useful acne treatment. They are derived from vitamin A and are available by prescription. Retinoids are especially effective when used with antimicrobial drugs. These include antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide.

Oral contraceptives are often effective to treat acne, although they also can bring on acne in some people. If they don’t work, a drug called spironolactone may be added or used alone.

After treatment has been successful, how do you keep acne from coming back? Wash your face with soap and warm water twice a day and use oil-free creams on your face.

I recommend finding a good dermatologist to sort out the pros and cons of the many treatment options that exist and figure out what’s best for you.