Acne is a result of excess oil production in the sebaceous glands. Though Acne strikes teens more often than adults, it is not true that only teens have acne. Acne is more likely to occur in teens whose parent/s had a history of acne during their adolescence.
Puberty is the stage when there are a lot of changes in an individual. During these formative years, there are hormonal changes commonly linked with growth and there is increased sebum production because of the male hormones. At the onset of puberty, a lot of hormones are secreted in the body. The male hormone androgen is found in both boys and girls, but boys have more androgen. Androgen makes the oil glands to increase in size resulting in excess sebum production. The pores on the skin of the face, neck, back, shoulder may see the eruption of acne in the form of Comedones. Before their periods, girls are prone to break into flare-ups. Boys also get cysts and pimples during puberty.
In older women, birth control pills or other hormone supplements may cause acne. Consulting an expert before starting hormonal contraceptives is better.
There are a lot of drugs for treating acne. These may not control acne that is caused by hormonal factors. A physician who specializes in female hormone problems may be able to identify the kind of treatment for stubborn acne. Hormone levels need to be checked to determine the exact hormonal factor that causes acne, and then needs to be treated. Drugs, which can decrease the testosterone levels, can be administered. Treating the hormonal cause for acne can clear the skin. Even stubborn cysts are known to clear with these medications.
Hormonal irregularities, cysts in the ovaries may result in increased production of androgen and this in turn can lead to acne flare-ups. Nodules and cysts may not respond to hormonal treatment. At times, when the menstrual cycle is regularized, the skin may clear itself of acne.
Acne cannot be cured overnight. It may take several months to years for acne to be controlled. Even after there is considerable improvement a regular maintenance dose may be required to keep acne at bay. A combination of oral contraceptives and antiandrogens seems to be an effective drug for acne. This reduces oil secretion and unwanted facial hair growth. Testosterone levels can be lowered by oral contraceptives. Another popular drug is Spironolactone, which blocks aldosterone. Pregnancy is best avoided when on this drug.
The anti androgen drug spironolactone has been prescribed safely for several years now. Also, this may not cause increase in weight, because it is a diuretic.
An acne patient needs to visit the doctor regularly for effective treatment of acne.