Treatment Options

Helping Yourself

One of the most important things to remember about acne is to never squeeze any lesion. Squeezing may cause damage to the skin and leave scars. Picking at lesions may also worsen acne. In some cases, picking can lead to infection.

Many people can control and treat their acne by following these simple suggestions:

• Keep the affected areas clean by washing twice a day with a mild soap. Remember to pat the area dry since rubbing or scrubbing the skin can damage it.

• Never use very hot or very cold water to wash the acne-prone areas. Lukewarm or tepid water is best. Using very hot water will increase oil production, and using very cold water does not allow for removal of the naturally occurring oils found on the skin.

• Use only water-based, non-comedogenic cosmetics. Look at the labels for the term "noncomedogenic," which means it does not contain any products that have been known to clog pores.

• If your skin becomes dry and irritated following use of topical anti-acne medications, you may use a moisturizer. When choosing a moisturizer, use only fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, oil-free products on acne-prone skin. These moisturizers do not clog pores and therefore should not worsen acne.

• Always remove your make-up before going to bed. Do not use cold creams or lotions to remove your make-up because they can leave a greasy film on your skin.

• Avoid placing band-aids over acne because this may trap oil and bacteria under the skin and make it worse.

• Avoid wearing sweatbands or headbands around the forehead. Thoroughly clean all sporting equipment that comes into contact with your face, neck, or shoulders.

• Avoid sun tanning or tanning beds. A suntan can temporarily dry up skin oil, but it can actually cause the skin to then produce more oil. Plus, certain acne medications may make skin extra sensitive to ultraviolet rays and lead to severe sunburn.

• Keep your hands away from your face. Resting your face on your hand can worsen acne because oils from your hand collect on your face.

<< Back

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.