Answering your questions about treating acne breakouts

Almost everyone gets acne in one shape or another during adolescence. And, it’s not just a teen problem: in a recent study, an estimated 73% of adults reported having acne at some point in their lives. So you’re not alone.

If you are currently living with acne, don’t wait another day. Make an appointment with your dermatologist and ask if
ACZONE^® (dapsone) Gel 5% is right for you.

Actually, it’s unlike other acne medications on the market. It’s not a benzoyl peroxide—ACZONE^® Gel is dapsone.

Well, you can't pick it up at the local supermarket. It starts with a visit to the dermatologist.

Many patients feel that sunlight improves their acne lesions and go to great lengths to find sources of ultraviolet light. But there is no proof of sunlight causing a reduction of acne. In addition, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. So do yourself and your acne a favor: Avoid overexposure to the sun.

Since everyone’s acne is different, bleaching and/or waxing your face can cause irritation. So check with your dermatologist first.

The short answer is maybe. However, there are a number of things you can do to lessen the chance that it does. First, experiment with an electric or safety razor to see which works best for you. Also, shave gently to avoid nicking lesions, which can make acne worse. Most importantly, don’t try and shave your acne off. Besides being painful, this can also aggravate the condition.

Stress is commonly blamed for the development of acne. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones that may theoretically lead to acne. In some cases, the stress may actually be caused by the acne lesions, not the other way around! If acne is being treated effectively, stress is not likely to have much impact on most people’s skin.

For most people, acne usually clears up soon after adolescence. But there are cases of people well into their adulthood still suffering. It is a condition that involves hormones and the production of too much oil in the skin. But the good news is that it could be controlled with a certain prescription acne treatment. (Hint: It's ACZONE^® Gel.)

Dermatologists can use various methods to improve the scarring caused by acne. The treatment must always be individualized for the specific patient. Chemical peels may be used in some patients, while dermabrasion or laser abrasion may benefit others.

No, acne is not caused by food. While many people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish, and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences acne.