The goal of acne therapy is to get rid of existing lesions and prevent the formation of new ones. Most treatments resolve existing acne lesions and, with continuous use, discourage new ones from forming.

Acne is treated by interfering with the way acne develops. Acne occurs when androgen hormones cause sebaceous glands to grow and produce more sebum. In concert with this change, there are changes in the skin lining the hair follicle to which sebaceous glands are attached. The skin cells of the follicle lining shed more quickly, in clumps, and are sticky. These cells and increased sebum output are likely to cause clogged pores that can become comedones. Finally, a kind of bacteria, P. acnes, which is a normal resident on the skin, invades the clogged follicle and begins to multiply rapidly. The result is acne in all its forms.

Given the way acne occurs, acne treatments do one or more of the following:

• Reduce sebum production
• Reduce P. acnes
• Normalize the shedding of skin cells

Sometimes, two or more acne products are used to treat different acne causes. Check with your dermatologist or pharmacist before you combine acne products. This section will outline the various treatment options for acne.

The role of the dermatologist

Just about every case of acne can be cleared up, but sometimes it takes a dermatologist's help. Moreover, there is absolutely no reason why acne should get so bad or last so long as to cause scars--not with the products available today.

Should YOU see a dermatologist for your acne? To answer this question, take an honest look at your acne and its effect on your life. If any of the following apply, make an appointment:

• You are dissatisfied with the results you have gotten from nonprescription acne products
• Your acne is interfering with your enjoyment of life
• You have acne scars in addition to acne lesions
• You have large, painful acne bumps
• You are dark skinned and acne is causing dark patches to appear

Basic guidelines for treating acne

Regardless of the treatment you're using, you should follow the following guidelines unless your dermatologist instructs you otherwise:

1. Do NOT pop, squeeze or pick at acne. This can make acne worse by spreading inflammation. Comedones should be removed only by an experienced health professional. With appropriate treatment, acne should go away without squeezing.

2. Gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and pat dry. Vigorous washing and scrubbing can irritate your skin and make acne worse. It will not clear up acne on its own--the acne needs to be treated with appropriate acne products.

3. Use "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries.

4. Avoid things that can aggravate your acne, such as oils, airborne grease, irritating clothing or sporting equipment, and so on.

5. Give the acne products enough time to do their job. Ask a dermatologist or pharmacist for more information about how long a particular product needs before the acne begins to clear up.

6. Some acne products can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light from tanning booths. Use protective clothing and sunscreens and avoid tanning booths (which are probably good ideas in any case).

Remember, see a dermatologist if you are not satisfied with the results you get from your acne treatments.

Dr. Kiran Godse Skin Specialist Laksh-Deep Hospital