The Latest in Acne Treatment

Acne has always been troublesome to so many people of all ages. Acne is becoming common in pre-teens, too, says Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield, the lead author of a recent AAP report. One study of 9- and 10-year-old girls found that more than three-quarters had pimples. While there is a wide range of medications that can clear up even severe cases of acne, some are comsidered as unsafe to certain populations of people. According to the AAP, mild acne often can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. Washes, toners and lotions containing benzoyl peroxide are a good starting point. "It's a pretty effective agent, especially for mild acne," Eichenfield said. Benzoyl peroxide is also the most common ingredient in over-the-counter acne fighters. Another common one is salicylic acid,a derivetive pf asprin, but it hasn't been studied yet. However, when tested head-to-head against benzoyl peroxide, Eichenfield said, the latter has won out. Tougher acne could be treated with topical retinoids -- prescription medications like Retin-A, Avita and Differin. They are vitamin A derivatives and work by speeding up skin cell turnover, which helps unclog pore Sometimes oral antibiotics are used because acne is bacterial in nature. When pores become clogged with oil and skin cells, bacteria can grow in the pore and cause inflammation. Antibiotics kill this bacteria. When acne is severe and other treatments have failed, the AAP said, doctors and parents might consider the prescription drug isotretinoin -- brand-names including Roaccutane. The drug is very effective, but it can cause birth defects, so girls and women have to use birth control and get regular pregnancy tests if they go on the medication. Isotretinoin also has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, depression and suicidal thoughts in some users -- although it's not clear the drug is to blame because severe acne itself can cause depression. whether or not food plays a role in acne has been debated for years.It was thought at one time that chocolate and fied foods could cause acne. REcent research, however, is revisiting the role of food in acne. It may be that a "clean" diet consisting of pure, whole foods is better for the skin than the typical American diet of processed foods. Learn more about acne from the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. SOURCES: Lawrence Eichenfield, M.D., chief, pediatric and adolescent dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego; David Pariser, M.D., Pariser Dermatology, Norfolk, Va.; May 2013 Pediatrics