What is Hormonal Acne?

An outbreak of hormonal acne on a woman's cheek.Acne doesn’t necessarily stop after your teenage years; it can affect you far into your adult life. This is what is referred to as hormonal acne (also known as adult acne), which typically occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 50. It is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting nearly 80% of Americans at some point during their lifetime. It is most common in women, particularly those who are pregnant or experiencing menopause, but it can affect men, as well.

Hormonal acne occurs due to an excessive amount of sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes and protects your skin. This can cause your pores to become clogged, causing the sebum to interact with bacteria on the skin, which in turn causes acne to form. Your skin’s production of sebum is affected by hormonal changes in your body. Some factors that can affect these hormonal changes include:

  • Stress
  • Sleep
  • Certain hair and skin products
  • Periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Testosterone treatment
  • Certain medications, such as some steroids
  • Certain pre-existing medical conditions
  • A family history of acne

Not all cases of acne necessarily look the same. It can cause several different types of growths to appear, including:

  • Pimples
  • Whiteheads (small white or yellowish bumps)
  • Blackheads (tiny black bumps or spots)
  • Papules (small, cone-shaped bumps)
  • Pustules (small bumps that contain pus)
  • Cysts (pockets of tissue filled with pus or other fluids)

In some cases, acne may resolve on its own; however, a variety of treatment options are available to reduce its severity, such as steroid injections and topical creams, ointments, and antibiotics. Daily skin cleansing, birth control medication, dietary adjustments, and light therapy can also help.

A dermatologist can help you determine the cause of your acne and find the appropriate course of treatment. To schedule an appointment with one at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Adult Acne

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According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some adults continue to get acne well into their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. There is even a possibility that you can get acne for the first time as an adult.

As an adult, acne can be frustrating because the remedies you used as a teen are rendered useless or can even make your acne worse. But, how do we determine whether the marks on our skin are acne or merely a blemish?

Blemishes, or pimples, can show up on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders because these areas have the greatest number of oil glands. The marks come and go with little or no treatment. Acne, on the other hand, has a long term affect, requires treatment and if left untreated, may leave dark spots and permanent scars on the skin.

Women who are menopausal are more likely, than men of a similar age, to get what dermatologists call “adult-onset acne.”

Some other reasons for developing adult acne are:
◾Stress
◾Family history
◾Excessive use of hair and skin care products
◾Medication side effects
◾Undiagnosed medical conditions
◾Excessive consumption of carbohydrates
◾Excessive consumption of dairy

There are many do it yourself remedies, but if nothing clears your adult acne, you should see a dermatologist. With proper treatment and a great deal of patience, it can be controlled.

If you would like to have a consultation with a dermatologist, you can call the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486  for an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.