Do you suspect that your workout is causing (or worsening) your acne? You could be right.

If your workout is the culprit, you don’t have to stop exercising. You can continue to play sports, take your favorite exercise class, or hit the gym and still see clearer skin. Here’s what dermatologists recommend.

Before your workout

1. Remove your makeup. No need to wash your face. A oil-free makeup remover towelette works fine.

1. Put on clean workout clothes (washed since you last wore them). Dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils on unwashed clothes can clog your pores, leading to acne.

1. Apply oil-free sunscreen before you head outside. If you’re going to exercise outdoors during the day, you can prevent breakouts by protecting your skin from the sun.
   
   
   
   Yes, the sun can cause breakouts because it dries your skin. When this happens, your body produces more oil, which can clog pores and cause acne.
   
   
   
   To get the protection you need, you’ll want to apply a sunscreen that offers:

• SPF 30 or higher
• Broad spectrum (protects you from UVA and UVB rays)
• Water resistance
• Oil-free formulation (Label may say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”)

During your workout

4. Use a clean towel to wipe off sweat. You want a towel that has been washed since you (or someone else) last used it.
   
   
   
   When you remove sweat from your skin, gently pat it off. Rubbing your skin can cause acne to flare.

4. Avoid sharing protective equipment like helmets and shoulder pads whenever possible. These can be full of acne-causing bacteria and oil, which may cause you to breakout.

4. Wipe off shared equipment before you use it. Shared equipment can be full of acne-causing bacteria and oil. If you use the equipment and then wipe your forehead or other acne-prone skin, you can spread acne-causing bacteria and oil from the equipment to your skin.

After your workout

7. Consider showering immediately after your work out. This may rinse away bacteria that can cause acne.
   
   
   
   When you wash your face and other skin with acne, you’ll want to use a cleanser that’s:

• Mild
• Oil free (label may say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores” instead)

A mild, oil-free cleanser can remove bacteria that can lead to acne and prevent clogged pores without irritating your skin.

When washing skin with acne, be very gentle. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and gently rinse it off with warm water. Rubbing, hot water, or anything else that irritates your skin can cause acne to flare.

If you aren’t able to shower, consider changing out of your workout clothes and wiping skin that tends to break out with pads that contain salicylic acid. This can prevent clogged pores.

If you have acne or acne-prone skin, following these recommendations from dermatologists can allow you to work out and see clearer skin. You’ll also want to continue treating your acne.

If you still have breakouts after trying these tips, your sports equipment or clothing might be to blame. Everything from football helmets to synthetic dance clothes can cause acne.

You’ll find out what dermatologists recommend for clearing acne caused by sports equipment or clothing at:

Image: Getty Images

Reference

Fulton JE, Acne Rx: What acne really is and how to eliminate its devastating effects! Self-published; 2001.

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Do you feel you’ve tried just about everything to get rid of your acne but still see blemishes? Don’t despair. To see clearer skin, you probably just need to make some changes.

The following tips from dermatologists can help you get started.

If you have severe acne, you’ll need a dermatologist to help clear your skin. Acne products you can buy at the store won’t clear severe acne.

1. Give an acne treatment at least 4 weeks to work. Using a new acne product every few days may seem useful, but that approach can worsen acne. Acne treatment needs time to work. Using a different product every few days can also irritate your skin, causing new breakouts.
   
   

   
   If a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. It can take 2 to 3 months or longer to see clearing.
   
   
   
   If you notice improvement, keep using the treatment. Even when you see clearing, you’ll want to keep using the acne treatment. This helps to prevent new breakouts.

1. Attack the different causes of acne. If you don’t see improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, add a second acne product to your treatment plan.
   
   
   
   This approach can help attack the different causes of acne. Bacteria, clogged pores, oil, and inflammation can all cause acne.
   
   
   
   Of course, the second treatment should attack a different cause of acne. For example, if you are using an acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide, the second acne treatment should contain another acne-fighting ingredient. To help you select another product, here’s what the different active ingredients work on:

• Benzoyl peroxide decreases P. acnes bacteria
• Retinoids, such as adapalene gel, unclog pores and reduce oiliness
• Salicylic acid eases inflammation and unclogs pores

You can buy acne treatment that contains any one of these ingredients online or at a store. You don’t need a prescription.

Try 1 or 2 products, and give them time to work. Trying too many products can stress your skin, worsening acne.

3. Follow directions. While using an acne treatment can seem pretty straightforward, how much you use and how often you use it can make a huge difference. Be sure to follow the directions.
   
   
   
   If a dermatologist created your treatment plan, follow your doctor’s instruction and use everything your dermatologist included in the treatment plan.
   
   
   
   
   Using only some of the acne treatment that your dermatologist prescribes could be the reason you still have acne.

   
4. Wash your face twice a day and when you’re sweaty. Acne-prone skin is sensitive. Washing more than twice a day can irritate your skin, making acne worse.
   
   
   
   For best results, dermatologists recommend washing your face when:

• You wake up
• You’re ready to go to bed
• It gets sweaty

5. Stop scrubbing your face and other acne-prone skin. If your skin feels greasy, dirty, or grimy, you may be tempted to scrub it clean. Don’t! Scrubbing can irritate acne-prone skin, which worsens acne.

5. Use skin care products and cosmetics that don’t cause acne. These products are labeled. On the package, you may see one of the following:

• Won’t clog pores
• Non-comedogenic
• Non-acnegenic
• Oil free

Because some of these skin care products may still cause acne in a few people, you may need to try different products before you find ones that don’t cause you to breakout.

7. Resist touching, picking, and popping your acne. Popping a pimple may seem like the fastest way to clear it, but popping it can actually make things worse. Every time you touch, pick, or pop, you can worsen acne.

7. Spread acne medication on all acne-prone skin, not just your blemishes. Applying a thin layer on your acne-prone skin helps treat existing acne and prevent new breakouts.

7. Wash your pillowcases, hats, and other things that touch your acne-prone skin. Dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt will build up on these surfaces, which can clog your pores. Washing what touches your acne-prone skin can prevent this.
   
   
   
   Changing your sheets every week and your pillowcase 2 or 3 times a week can make a difference.

7. Enlist a dermatologist’s help. If you still have acne after trying these tips — or you have acne cysts or nodules (deep blemishes that leave scars when they clear) — a dermatologist can help.
   
   
   
   With today’s acne treatments and a dermatologist’s expertise, virtually every case of acne can be cleared. A dermatologist can tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs.

Now that you know what can help clear acne, what changes are you going to make?

Additional related resources

Images

Severe acne: Image used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides

Other images: Getty Images

References

Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. “A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept.” J Am Acad Dermatol 2006;54:507-12.

Harper, J. “Acne: The Basics.” May 2003. [The tips in this article came from a dermatologist, Julie Harper, MD, who wanted to help her patients and others get better results from their acne treatment.]

The post 10 things to try when acne won’t clear appeared first on ÁůľĹÉ«ĚĂ.

Even if you’re already treating your rosacea, the right skin care can make a noticeable difference.

A rosacea friendly skin care routine can:

• Help your skin feel more comfortable
• Improve the results you see from treatment
• Boost your skin’s overall health
• Reduce rosacea flare-ups

To help patients who have rosacea with skin care, dermatologists offer these tips:

1. Cleanse your face twice a day — very gently. According to dermatologist Mark Dahl, MD, patients who have rosacea often don’t wash rosacea-prone skin enough. That’s understandable if your skin already feels irritated.
   
   
   
   

   Cleansing when you wake up and before you go to bed helps remove oil and dirt that can irritate your skin.

   

   To cleanse without further irritating your skin, dermatologists recommend that you:

• Choose a mild, rosacea friendly cleanser (not soap).
• Apply the cleanser gently with your fingertips, using a circular motion.
• Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water, using only your fingertips. You want to thoroughly remove the cleanser. If some of the cleanser stays on your skin, it can cause irritation.
• Pat your face gently with a clean, cotton towel.

2. Moisturize every day. Whether rosacea makes your skin dry or oily, it’s important to moisturize. Moisturizing helps hydrate your skin by trapping water in your skin. This can reduce irritation and make your skin feel more comfortable.
   
   
   
   Studies show that applying a rosacea friendly moisturizer or barrier repair cream can also improve the results you see from treatment.
   
   
   
   In one small study, patients applied a rosacea treatment (metronidazole gel) to their face twice a day. They also applied a gentle, non-irritating moisturizing cream twice a day to one side of their face.
   
   
   
   After 15 days, the moisturized side of their face had less dryness, peeling, and roughness. It also felt more comfortable. Other studies have found similar results.

2. Protect your skin from the sun year round. The sun can worsen rosacea. This is so common that it’s actually one of the most frequent causes of a rosacea flare-up. Even people with dark skin can have a rosacea flare-up after being outdoors in the sun.
   
   
   
   To reduce rosacea flare-ups caused by the sun, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen. To protect your skin, apply a sunscreen to your face every day before going outdoors. Even on cloudy days, it helps to apply sunscreen.

4. Choose rosacea friendly skin care products. When you have rosacea, many skin care products and cosmetics can irritate your skin. While gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection can help reduce this sensitivity, you also want to choose your skin care products and makeup carefully.
   
   
   
   When shopping for products, dermatologists recommend that you read the list of ingredients before you buy. To reduce the likelihood of a buying a product that will irritate your skin, you want to avoid anything that contains:

• Alcohol
• Camphor
• Fragrance
• Glycolic acid
• Lactic acid
• Menthol
• Sodium laurel sulfate (often found in shampoos and toothpaste)
• Urea

To reduce the chance of a product irritating your skin, choose fragrance-free (rather than unscented) products.

To reduce irritation, it’s also best to:

• Choose a cream instead of a lotion or gel
• Never use an astringent or toner

5. Test skin care products and makeup before applying them to your face. If you’ve never tried a product or it seems that everything you apply to your face stings, testing can help. To test a product, dab a small amount near (but not on) your rosacea-prone skin. If it irritates your skin (burning, stinging, etc.) within 72 hours, you know not to use it.

5. Be gentle with your skin. Anything that irritates your skin can worsen rosacea. To prevent this, you want to avoid rubbing or scrubbing your face. That means no washcloths, facial sponges, or exfoliating.

Making these tips a part of your skin care routine can help you take better care of your rosacea-prone skin.

If you have trouble finding skin care products or makeup that doesn’t irritate your skin, a dermatologist can assist you. A dermatologist can examine your skin and recommend products for your skin’s specific needs.

References

American Academy of Dermatology. “Proper skin care lays the foundation for successful acne and rosacea treatment.” News release issued August 1, 2013. Last accessed July 31, 2017.

Bowers J. “Unlocking the mysteries of rosacea.” Dermatol World. 2013;23(8):18-22.

Del Rosso JQ, Thiboutot D, et al. “Consensus recommendations from the American Acne & Rosacea Society on the management of rosacea, part 1: A status report on the disease state, general measures, and adjunctive skin care.” Cutis. 2013;92(5):234-40.

Pelle MT, Crawford GH, et al. “Rosacea: II. Therapy.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51:499-512.

Two AM, Wu W, et al. “Rosacea: part II. Topical and systemic therapies in the treatment of rosacea.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;72(5):761-70.

Zip C. “The role of skin care in optimizing treatment of acne and rosacea.” Skin Therapy Lett. 2017;22(3):5-7.

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Acne isn’t an infection, but an antibiotic can provide real relief from deep, painful breakouts.

Certain antibiotics like doxycycline (dox-ē-cyc-lean) and erythromycin (eh-rith-row-my-cin) can reduce the amount of P acnes bacteria on your skin and lessen inflammation. When that happens, you may see less acne — and sometimes clearing.

Take an antibiotic for the shortest time possible

When including an antibiotic in your acne treatment plan, your dermatologist will prescribe it for the shortest time possible. Because acne takes time to treat, this usually means 3 to 4 months. Some people who have acne, however, need more time on an antibiotic.

4 ways to reduce how long you take an antibiotic

You can shorten the amount of time that you need an antibiotic in your treatment plan by doing the following:

1. Use all of medicine in your treatment plan. When taken alone, an antibiotic can quickly lose its ability to fight acne. When this happens, the bacteria continue to grow and you can develop a condition known as antibiotic resistance.
   
   
   
   Antibiotic resistance is a global health problem. That’s why your dermatologist prescribes other acne medicine along with an antibiotic. You may need to use benzoyl peroxide or adapalene (ah-dap-ah-lean) gel along with an antibiotic.

1. Reduce acne flares with gentle skin care. To get rid of acne, you may be tempted to scrub your skin clean. Scrubbing can irritate your skin and worsen acne. You can reduce flare-ups by following the skin care tips on .

1. Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. This will allow your dermatologist to see whether the treatment is working. Some patients need a different antibiotic. Others need a different type of treatment.

1. Follow your maintenance plan. Once your skin clears, you’ll need different acne treatment to prevent new breakouts.
   
   
   
   Most people can keep their skin clear by using medicine they apply to their skin. Continuing to use the acne treatment in your maintenance plan will help you keep your skin clear and reduce the need for stronger acne medicine like an antibiotic.

An antibiotic can play an important role in helping to clear acne. If you take an antibiotic to treat your acne, be sure to take it seriously. This will allow you to get the most benefit in the shortest time possible.

Image: Thinkstock

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “.” Last accessed April 19, 2017.

Zaenglein, AL, Pathy AL, et al. “Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74:945-73.

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Were you recently diagnosed with rosacea? If so, you may be wondering what to do next. Here are 8 tips that dermatologist give their patients with rosacea to help them control the condition and feel more comfortable.

1. Pay attention to your eyes. If you do nothing else, do this! You want to watch for signs of irritated or red eyes. If you notice any irritation or other eye problems, call your dermatologist or eye doctor right away.
   
   
   
   This is important because more than half the people who have rosacea develop an eye problem at some point. Treating eye problems caused by rosacea can prevent you from developing problems with your eyesight.

1. Learn what triggers your rosacea. Many everyday occurrences, such as becoming overheated or feeling stressed, can cause rosacea to flare. Anything that causes rosacea to flare is called a trigger.
   
   
   
   While there are many rosacea triggers, what triggers one person’s rosacea may not be a trigger for you. It’s important to learn what triggers your rosacea. Avoiding your triggers can help you avoid flare-ups.
   
   
   
   You’ll find a step-by-step guide that can help you discover your triggers at:

1. Be gentle with your skin. Rosacea can make your skin extremely sensitive. Your skin can feel uncomfortable if you wash your face with a washcloth, use skin care products that contain fragrance or astringents, or even go outdoors without applying a sunscreen.
   
   
   
   You can find out how to care for your rosacea-prone skin at:

1. Protect your skin from the sun. Just a few minutes in the sun can cause your rosacea to flare. Protecting your skin from the sun can prevent these flare-ups. You can learn how to protect your skin from the sun at:

1. Select your makeup carefully. Sometimes, makeup can cause rosacea to flare. You can find out how to choose rosacea friendly makeup at:. Scroll down to “Use rosacea friendly makeup.”

1. Understand that flare-ups can happen and are often unexpected. Even when you treat your rosacea and do everything you can to avoid your triggers, rosacea can flare unexpectedly.
   
   
   
   A flare-up tends to be more manageable when you keep calm (stress can be a trigger) and follow your dermatologist’s advice for treating a flare-up.

1. Team up with a board-certified dermatologist to treat your rosacea. Treating rosacea can prevent it from worsening. Treatment can also help calm a flare-up.
   
   
   
   By seeing a board-certified dermatologist about your rosacea, you can receive expert care. When a dermatologist is board-certified, you’ll see the letters FAAD after the doctor’s name.

1. Jot down questions to ask during your next dermatology appointment. Between appointments, questions about rosacea may come to mind. If they do, jot them down so that you can ask them during your next dermatology appointment.
   
   
   
   The more expert advice you have, the better you’ll be able to manage your rosacea.

A board-certified dermatologist is a rosacea expert

Rosacea is one of the most common conditions that dermatologists treat.

When you see a board-certified dermatologist, you know you’re seeing a doctor who has received specialized training in how to diagnose and treat rosacea.

Board-certified dermatologists are also the scientists who conduct many of the studies that help us learn more about this condition.

You can find a board-certified dermatologist by going to:

Additional related information

Image: Getty Images

References

Crawford GH, Pelle MT, et al. “Rosacea: I. Etiology, pathogenesis, and subtype classification.” J Am Acad Dermatol 2004;51:327-41.)

Pelle MT. “Rosacea.” In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine (seventh edition). McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008: 703-9.

Pelle MT, Glen H. Crawford GH, et al. “Rosacea: II. Therapy.” J Am Acad Dermatol 2004;51:499-512.

Zip C. “The role of skin care in optimizing treatment of acne and rosacea.” Skin Therapy Lett. 2017;22(3):5-7.

The post 8 things to know if you’re diagnosed with rosacea appeared first on ÁůľĹÉ«ĚĂ.

If you have acne on your back, or “bacne” as some people call it, you don’t have to wait for it to clear on its own. Treatment and the right skin care can help you see clearer skin more quickly.

You may even be able to clear your back on your own.

Who can treat back acne at home?

You may see clearer skin from treating it yourself if you:

• Have a few blemishes on your back (mild acne)
• Developed back acne recently
• Have a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples on your back, but nothing that’s painful or goes deep into the skin (moderate acne)

Anyone who has deep, painful acne on their back (or anywhere else) will need a dermatologist’s help.

OTC treatment for back acne that works

OTC stands for over-the-counter. It’s medical jargon that means any treatment which you can buy without a prescription.

Studies show that the following OTC acne products can help clear mild (or moderate) back acne when used along with acne friendly skin care:

Benzoyl peroxide (emollient foam wash): This helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Used daily, it can help control back acne and reduce flares.

Studies show that the key to getting results from a benzoyl peroxide wash is to leave it on your back for 2 to 5 minutes before rinsing it off.

Letting the benzoyl peroxide sit on your skin for a few minutes has two advantages:

1. This approach helps the medicine penetrate your skin. Skin is thicker on the back than on the face.
2. Rinsing it off prevents bleached clothes, sheets, and towels. Benzoyl peroxide is known to bleach fabrics.

You’ll find OTC benzoyl peroxide foaming washes in different strengths. Using a product that contains 5.3% benzoyl peroxide is less likely to cause irritated skin, dryness, or peeling.

If you feel that you need stronger medicine, you can start with a foaming wash that contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. That’s the strongest concentration of benzoyl peroxide that you can buy without a prescription.

Retinoid (adapalene 0.1% gel): Using this along with benzoyl peroxide can improve your results. This OTC retinoid can help unclog pores, which will help the benzoyl peroxide work better.

Dermatologists recommend applying adapalene after you shower or before going to bed. Again, you want to apply it daily.

How to apply medicine to your back

For treatment to work, you must get it on your back. Investing in a lotion applicator for the back can help you apply the medicine where you want it.

If you’re not sure where to find one of these, just search online for a “lotion applicator for the back.”

Acne friendly skin care essential

To get the results you expect from treatment, you’ll also need acne friendly skin care. Without it, your acne can flare, even when you’re treating it.

To help their patients with back acne get the best results, dermatologists recommend the following:

If you cannot shower immediately, use an oil-free cleansing wipe to gently wipe off your sweaty skin. You’ll also want to change out of sweaty clothes.

1. Develop these habits when working out or getting sweaty:
   • Wear loose-fitting workout clothes made of cotton or sweat-wicking fabric.
   • Wash workout clothes after each use.
   • Shower and change clothes ASAP after working out (or doing anything that causes you to sweat).

When shopping for sunscreen, choose one that says the following on the packaging:

• Non-comedogenic (or oil-free)
• SPF 30 (or higher)
• Broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB protection)
• Water resistance

2. Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing skin with acne may seem best, but this actually worsens acne. When washing your back and applying acne treatment, you want to be gentle.

2. Stop irritating your skin with harsh skin care products. Antibacterial soaps, astringents, and abrasive scrubs can worsen acne. Ditto for loofahs, back brushes, and buff puffs. For best results, you’ll want to use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products.

2. Use oil-free skin care products and cosmetics. The packaging may read “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic,” “won’t clog pores,” or “oil-free.

2. Avoid using anything that rubs against your back, such as a backpack. Anything that rubs against your back can irritate your skin, causing back acne to flare. Swap a backpack for a handheld bag. If you carry a purse on your shoulder, place the strap on your arm.

2. Resist the temptation to pick and pop acne, even on your back. This will only worsen acne.

2. Protect your skin from the sun. People often believe that the sun’s rays will help clear acne, but the sun can actually worsen acne. The sun’s rays tend to darken acne and cause it to last longer.
   
   
   
   You can help clear acne by always wearing oil-free sunscreen when outdoors. You’ll want to apply sunscreen to all skin that clothes won’t cover.
3. Change your sheets and pillowcases weekly. Clean sheets and pillowcases are essential for clearing back acne. You may want to change pillowcases twice a week. By the end of a week, sheets and pillowcases are swarming with dead skin cells and bacteria.
   
   
   
   When washing sheets and pillowcases, be sure to use fragrance-free detergent. If you like fabric softener, it, too, should be fragrance-free.

When to see a dermatologist

It can take time to see results from treatment. If treatment works, you may start to see results in 6 to 8 weeks. Complete clearing can take 3 or 4 months.

If you don’t see any difference in 6 to 8 weeks, you may need a dermatologist’s help. With a dermatologist’s help, virtually every type of acne can be successfully treated.

References

Bikowski J. “A review of the safety and efficacy of benzoyl peroxide (5.3%) emollient foam in the management of truncal acne vulgaris.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(11):26-9.

Brand B, Gilbert R, et al. “Cumulative irritancy comparison of adapalene gel 0.1% versus other retinoid products when applied in combination with topical antimicrobial agents.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003;49(3 Suppl):S227-32.

Del Rosso JQ. “Management of truncal acne vulgaris: current perspectives on treatment.” Cutis. 2006 May;77(5):285-9.

Eichenfield LF, Andrew C. Krakowski AC, et al. “Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne.” Pediatrics. 2013;131 Suppl 3:S163-86.

Leyden JJ, Del Rosso JQ. “The effect of benzoyl peroxide 9.8% emollient foam on reduction of Propionibacterium acnes on the back using a short contact therapy approach.” J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(7):830-3.

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Research suggests that drinking alcohol may increase a person’s risk of getting rosacea.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology concluded that the women who drank alcohol had a higher risk of developing rosacea than the women who didn’t drink. In this study, the researchers found that the:

• Risk of developing rosacea increased with the amount of alcohol drank
• Women who drank white wine or hard liquor had a greater risk of developing rosacea than the other women in this study

Researchers reached these conclusions after analyzing data collected from 82,737 women over a 14-year period.

Two earlier studies also found a connection between drinking alcohol and developing rosacea. In one study, the researchers looked at twins. Studying twins can help scientists figure out if a disease is caused by a person’s genes or behaviors, such as drinking, smoking, or spending time in the sun.

In this study, researchers collected data from 275 pairs of twins. After studying the data, the researchers concluded that drinking slightly increased a person’s risk of getting rosacea.

The second study also found a connection between drinking and rosacea. In this study, researchers compared data from 60,042 patients who had rosacea with 60,042 patients who did not have rosacea. Again, drinking slightly increased the risk of getting rosacea.

More studies required

While these studies found that drinking alcohol may increase a person’s risk of developing rosacea, more studies are needed to know for certain whether drinking can cause rosacea. We don’t know why drinking may increase the risk of getting rosacea. We also want to learn why certain types of alcohol seem to increase the risk of getting rosacea.

People mistakenly believe anyone with a red face drinks heavily

While researchers have found that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of getting rosacea, it’s important to know that:

• People who never drink alcohol can get rosacea
• Alcoholism doesn’t cause rosacea
• Rosacea doesn’t mean the person has a drinking problem

Too often, people mistakenly believe that anyone who has a red face drinks too much, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS). This misperception may cause people who have rosacea to worry that others will think they have a drinking problem.

After surveying people with rosacea, the NRS reports that nearly two-thirds of them say they “have avoided situations because they felt uncomfortable or embarrassed” when they had a red face.

Too embarrassed to see a dermatologist?

If having a red face leaves you feeling embarrassed, it’s important to keep in mind that people who never drink get rosacea.

Dermatologists encourage anyone who has a permanently red face or long-lasting flushing to see a dermatologist. Rosacea could be causing the redness. Other conditions can also cause a red face. A dermatologist can give you an accurate diagnosis.

If you have rosacea, treatment can help lessen the redness and prevent rosacea from worsening. That can help you feel more comfortable and less embarrassed.

Images: Getty Images

References

Aldrich N, Gerstenblith M, et al. “Genetic vs environmental factors that correlate with rosacea: A cohort-based survey of twins.” JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(11):1213-9.

American Academy of Dermatology, “.” News release issued April 20, 2017.

Li S, Cho E, et al. “Alcohol intake and risk of rosacea in US women.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Jun;76(6):1061-7.

National Rosacea Society. “.” Rosacea Review. Fall 2010.

National Rosacea Society. “.” News release issued February 11, 2004.

Spoendlin J, Voegel JJ, et al. “A study on the epidemiology of rosacea in the U.K.” Br J Dermatol. 2012;167(3):598-605.

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If your teen or pre-teen has acne, you may decide to let the acne run its course. The most-effective strategy, however, may be to treat acne when it first appears. Here are 7 science-backed reasons why that appears to be your best option.

You can:

1. Get faster results from treatment. Acne treatment takes time regardless of whether you’re treating mild or severe acne. That said, it does take less time and effort to clear a few pimples than a breakout that could include blackheads, whiteheads, and deep-seated acne cysts.

1. Reduce scars. Treating acne early may prevent acne scars. In general, the more severe the acne, the more likely it is to scar.
   
   
   
   While severe acne is most likely to leave scars, mild acne can scar when picked.
   
   
   
   Treating at the first sign of acne may also prevent someone from developing a habit of picking at their acne, so the person may never develop acne scars.

1. Stop lingering spots from developing when acne clears. Anyone who has medium-to-dark colored skin may see a dark spot appear when an acne pimple, cyst, or nodule clears. Dermatologists call this post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
   
   
   
   People with light-colored skin may see a red spot where acne once was.
   
   
   
   These spots can linger for months. Many consider it worse to have these lingering spots than the acne itself.

1. Prevent mild acne from becoming severe. Early treatment can prevent a few pimples from progressing to widespread blackheads, whiteheads, and deep, painful acne.

1. Decrease the likelihood you’ll need stronger acne medicine. When acne becomes severe, strong medicine is needed to see clearing. These medicines have more possible side effects and require close monitoring by a dermatologist. That means more office visits.

1. Avoid years of acne. Acne can begin at a young age. Dermatologists now see 7-to-12 year-olds with acne.
   
   
   
   Treating acne early and keeping it under control can prevent future breakouts. Today, that can add up to a substantial number of years without acne. Many people have acne into one 20s. For some adults, acne persists well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s or 60s.

1. Sidestep emotional distress. Acne can cause more than breakouts. Studies show that acne can also take a toll on one’s psyche. Many say their self-esteem suffered after developing acne. Some people with acne withdraw from people in their lives.
   
   
   
   The severity of the acne doesn’t seem to matter. Acne can have negative effect on self-esteem and relationships whether one has mild or severe acne.
   
   
   
   One large study found that having acne can lead to depression and thoughts of committing suicide. Other studies show that treating acne can alleviate these feelings.

If you unsure of what would be the best treatment for your teen’s or pre-teen’s acne, seeing a dermatologist can help. A dermatologist can look at the type of acne on your child’s skin and recommend effective products. That one visit could improve your child’s quality of life for many years to come.

Image: Thinkstock

References

American Academy of Dermatology. “.” News release issued August 2, 2013. Last accessed April 28, 2017.

American Academy of Dermatology. “Acne by the numbers.” In: Burden of Skin Disease. Last accessed April 28, 2017.

Zaenglein AL. “Making the case for early treatment of acne.” Clin Pediatr. 2010;49(1):54-9.

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There’s still no straightforward answer to this question. Findings from a few studies suggest the answer is yes. Other studies have not found that rosacea increases the risk.

These conflicting findings don’t mean that the studies lack value. People are complex, and many things can contribute to a person’s risk of developing heart disease, including lifestyle, age, and family history of heart disease. It takes time for scientists to sort out all of these risks.

The good news is that scientists continue to run studies to find out whether rosacea can increase the risk of developing heart disease. So far, this is what they’ve learned about the link between rosacea and heart disease.

People with rosacea may have more risk factors for heart disease

A risk factor is anything that increases your risk of getting a disease. Risk factors for having a stroke or heart attack include getting little exercise, smoking, and being overweight.

A few studies have found that people with rosacea seem to have more risk factors for heart disease than people who do not have rosacea.

One of these studies was a large study conducted in Taiwan. During this study, researchers looked at 15 years’ worth of medical records. After reviewing more than 200,000 medical records, they found that the people with rosacea were more likely than the people without rosacea to have unhealthy cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Both are known risk factors for heart disease.

In another study, scientists recruited 60 people with rosacea and 50 people who did not have rosacea. The scientists found that the people who had rosacea also had more risk factors for heart disease than the people without rosacea.

In that study, blood tests revealed that the people with rosacea had higher levels of cholesterol and C-reactive protein (a marker for heart disease). The people with rosacea also had more family members with heart disease, and they smoked more than the patients without rosacea.

Because these can increase the risk of developing heart disease, the scientists concluded that people with rosacea may have a higher risk of developing heart disease.

Another study found that the patients with rosacea were more likely to have high blood pressure than patients who did not have rosacea. If a patient had more extensive rosacea, the patient was also more likely to have unhealthy cholesterol levels and diabetes. All of these can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease.

More risk factors may not lead to more heart disease

In general, the more risk factors a person has for a disease, the greater the person’s risk of developing that disease. So the next logical question for scientists to ask was, “Do people with rosacea have more heart disease than people who don’t have rosacea?” Here’s what the scientists discovered.

During one study, scientists looked at medical insurance claim forms. They wanted to find out whether patients with rosacea were more likely to develop heart disease within a year of being diagnosed with rosacea.

They discovered that the patients with rosacea were not more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease within a year of being diagnosed with rosacea.

Another study followed patients with (and without) rosacea for up to 15 years. During this time, the patients with rosacea were not more likely to die of heart disease.

While these findings are encouraging, scientists need to run more studies to know for certain whether rosacea increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Takeaway for people with rosacea

Heart disease has many risk factors. While scientists are trying to find out whether rosacea is one of these risk factors, it’s important to keep in mind that many people who do not have rosacea develop heart disease.

You can find out if you have a higher risk by making an appointment to see your primary care doctor. During a checkup, your doctor can take your blood pressure. Blood tests can tell whether you have healthy cholesterol and sugar levels. You may also be screened for other risk factors.

If your checkup reveals that you have any risk factors for heart disease, making some lifestyle changes can reduce your risk. Medication can also help lower your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

We know doing these things can help — even if rosacea is a risk factor.

Image: Getty Images

References

Duman N, Ersoy E S, et al. “Rosacea and cardiovascular risk factors: A case control study.” J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2014;28(9):1165-9.

Egeberg A, Fowler JF Jr, et al. “Nationwide assessment of cause-specific mortality in patients with rosacea: A cohort study in Denmark.” Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(6):673-9.

Hua TC, Chung PI, et al. “Cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with rosacea: A nationwide case-control study from Taiwan.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(2):249-54.

Marshall VD, Moustafa F, et al. “Cardiovascular disease outcomes associated with three major inflammatory dermatologic diseases: A propensity-matched case control study.” Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016; 6(4): 649-58.

Rainer BM, Fischer AH, et al. “Rosacea is associated with chronic systemic diseases in a skin severity-dependent manner: Results of a case-control study.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(4):604-8.

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For many people who have acne, the skin disease affects more than their appearance. Acne can take a toll on one’s emotional health. Researchers have found in study after study that people with acne can also develop:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Poor self-image
• Decreased quality of life
• A feeling of being all alone

If you’re wondering how acne could cause these problems, you only have to read Jill’s story.

Acne made Jill’s college days difficult

Jill had typical teenage acne, but what happened during her second year of college completely surprised her. Large, painful acne cysts and nodules began appearing on her face. She tried treating them with acne treatments that she could buy at the store. Nothing worked. Desperate for help, Jill went to her student health center.

Because Jill’s acne was severe, she was given a prescription for an antibiotic. This is often the first treatment given to a patient with severe acne. A dermatologist also injected medication into a few of her most painful cysts to help clear them. The treatment helped for a few days. Then her acne flared.

Her doctor prescribed antibiotic after antibiotic. Nothing worked. She felt devastated, and said that she just wished she could wear a veil.

By this time, Jill felt that she couldn’t face people. She quit her job, which she needed to help support herself.

She did stay in school, but it was difficult. “Somehow, I managed to continue my studies,” she said. Friendships and extracurricular activities, however, suffered. The acne left her feeling too stressed and withdrawn. She felt alone.

Jill finally got relief from her acne when she saw a dermatologist who prescribed (eye-soh-tret-in-OH-in), a medication used to treat severe acne. The isotretinoin got her acne under control, but by this time, she had permanent scars and discolored skin.

After graduating, Jill moved back home. She didn’t start looking for a job. Instead, she asked her parents if they would pay for surgery to treat her acne scars.

After having cosmetic surgery, Jill said, “My skin is nowhere near as clear as before, but for the first time in over a year, I felt somewhat normal in appearance.” This feeling allowed her to get on with her life. Jill was able to get a job and start her career.

Mild or severe, acne can cause emotional pain

Jill’s story isn’t unique. Every day, dermatologists see the devastating effects that acne can have on someone’s life.

Bullying can occur. Other kids may hurl names like “crater face” at their classmates with widespread acne. This bullying can cause self-esteem to plummet. It can cause teens to feel so upset that they want to be alone. They may make few friends.

In research studies, people with acne have said that their skin makes them feel unattractive, embarrassed, or self-conscious. These feelings can cause some teens to avoid trying out for sports, getting a part-time job, or participating in class.

Some people say that having acne makes them feel on edge.

Even mild acne can affect one’s emotional health. This is especially true for teenage girls. In studies, teen girls often say that acne makes them feel unattractive.

Given that acne can lead to such experiences and feelings, it’s not surprising that researchers have found that people with acne often develop depression or anxiety.

Early treatment can prevent emotional distress, acne scars

Studies show that the longer acne lasts, the more likely it is to affect one’s emotions. Without treatment, acne can also worsen. If acne becomes severe, as it did for Jill, scars can appear as the acne clears.

Early treatment can prevent these problems. It can clear the skin and prevent acne from worsening. Some people need to continue treating their skin to prevent breakouts. For most people that’s probably a lot easier than dealing with the emotional distress and permanent acne scars.

Image: Getty Images

References

Dalgard F, Gieler U, et al. “Self-esteem and body satisfaction among late adolescents with acne: Results from a population study.” J Am Acad Dermatol 2008;59(5):746-51.

Fulton JE, Acne Rx: What acne really is and how to eliminate its devastating effects! Self-published; 2001.

Gorelick J, Daniels SR, et al. “Acne-related quality of life among female adults of different races/ethnicities.” J Dermatol Nurses Assoc. 2015;7(3): 154–162.

Hendon, J. “Acne: A patient’s point of view.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51(1 Suppl):S39.

Nguyen CM, Beroukhim K, et al. “The psychosocial impact of acne, vitiligo, and psoriasis: a review.” Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:383-92.

Yentzer BA, Gosnell AL, et al. “Letter to the editor: A randomized controlled pilot study of strategies to increase adherence in teenagers with acne vulgaris.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;64(4):793-5.

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