Acne, often seen as a rite of passage, affects nearly everyone to some degree. It’s characterized by spots, blackheads, and oily skin. While many consider it a temporary nuisance, around 15% of individuals experience persistent or severe acne, sometimes leading to scarring. Unfortunately, teenagers often lack reliable information about managing acne, unaware that pharmacists can offer valuable assistance.
Let’s delve into what you truly know about acne and its origins. Surprisingly, there’s no definitive link between diet and acne. Moreover, acne isn’t solely a teenage issue; approximately 5% of women and 1% of men in their 40s still grapple with it.
**Debunking Common Acne Myths**
Effective acne management begins with dispelling misconceptions:
1. **Myth:** Food causes acne. Scientific evidence doesn’t support this. A study involving prisoners showed no correlation between chocolate consumption and acne. While a balanced diet is always advisable, it won’t directly impact acne.
2. **Myth:** Acne is contagious. Injecting pus from a spot into unaffected skin doesn’t cause the spread of spots.
3. **Myth:** Dirt causes acne. Acne arises from processes beneath the skin’s surface; surface dirt plays a minimal role. The black in a blackhead isn’t dirt but melanin, which darkens upon air exposure. Over-washing is unlikely to cause acne.
4. **Myth:** Acne is caused by too many hormones. Hormones are involved in acne, but it’s not due to excessive production. Research indicates that sensitivity to normal hormone levels is the primary factor.
5. **Myth:** Everyone outgrows acne. While acne typically lasts four to eight years, starting around age 12 and ending between 16 and 20, it can persist into adulthood. About 8% of acne sufferers are over 40. Acne rarely lasts a lifetime, but some individuals never fully outgrow it.
6. **Myth:** Acne and spots are different. “Acne” is the medical term for spots. However, someone with an occasional spot wouldn’t be diagnosed with clinical acne. Approximately 15% of people with spots require professional medical treatment.
7. **Myth:** Stress causes acne. Normal, everyday stress is not a significant factor. Extreme stress, such as divorce or bereavement, may trigger or worsen acne, but this is uncommon and usually responds to standard treatments.
CONTINUED IN PART 2, COMING SOON!