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Ask DR. CRUTCHFIELD:
SKIN CARE ADVICE FROM AN EXPERT
ACNE TREATMENT
Why Should I Care
About Acne?
Acne is a very common
skin condition that
affects over 90% of people
at some point in their lives.
When adolescents are
developing a strong sense of
self, self-worth, value, and identity, acne not only may cause
low self-esteem, it can also cause long-term and permanent
scars on the skin. While almost never life threatening, if it
bothers the patient, it should be treated.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a condition that manifests as red, tainted papules
and pustules in the skin especially on the face, chest,
and back. It is a disorder of the skin’s pores and oil glands.
All pores have a small oil gland attached to them at their
bottom. When pores become plugged, the natural skin oil has
nowhere to go and thus forms a bump in the skin. We also
have normal natural bacteria that live on our skin attracted to
the oil as a food source. These types of bacteria can also cause
inflammation in the skin.
How Common Is Acne?
Acne is genetically determined, running in families. As
oil glands in the skin become activated by hormones
during adolescence, we first start to see acne. Unfortunately,
acne doesn’t always disappear when we leave our teens. I treat
many patients with acne into their 20s, 30s, and even beyond.
How Is Acne Treated?
Acne can be treated by unplugging the pores, reducing
inflammation, reducing bacteria, or actively decreasing
oil production. Topical preparations like chemical peels or
salicylic acid will unplug follicles, while topical antibiotic
solutions will decrease bacteria and certain acne creams
can reduce inflammation. Other medications and lasers can
also decrease oil production. One of the best kept secrets
when it comes to treating acne is that the vast majority of
acne treatments are designed to improve acne, but very few
treatments are designed to clear acne up completely. This
is one of the biggest concerns my patients express to me.
They are using medicine to treat acne, and while they say
their condition is better, they still have acne. The treatments
make the condition better compared to not using any type of
treatment, but they will not necessarily make acne 100% clear.
There is one very effective medicine for the total clearing of
acne, but it has side effects that need to be monitored carefully
under the direction of a dermatologist.
What Action Steps Can Be Taken Now
For Addressing My Acne?
• Treat acne as soon as you notice it.
• While there are many topical over-the-counter preparations,
consult with a board-certified dermatologist to identify the
best treatment plan.
• Always use very gentle, non-abrasive, non-harsh cleansers and
moisturizers.
• If problems persist after initial treatment, inform your
dermatologist to revise your treatment plan.
Treating acne appropriately and early can prevent low
self-esteem, discomfort, and scars that last a lifetime. Visit
CrutchfieldDermatology.com for more information.
Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter @CrutchfieldDerm.
BEFORE
AFTER
Acne patient treated by Dr. Crutchfi eld
Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, is a graduate of the Mayo Clinic Medical School and a Clinical Professor of Dermatology
at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Crutchfi eld is an annual selection in the “Top Doctors” issue of Mpls. St. Paul
magazine, and is the only dermatologist to have been selected as a “Best Doctor for Women” by
Minnesota Monthly magazine since the inception of the survey. Dr. Crutchfi eld has also been selected
as one of the “Best Doctors in America,” an honor awarded to only 4% of all practicing physicians. Dr.
Crutchfi eld is the co-author of a children’s book on sun protection and dermatology textbook. He is a
member of the AOA National Medical Honor Society, an expert consultant for WebMD and CNN, and a
recipient of the Karis Humanitarian Award from the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine.
AESTHETIC
SEAL OF APPROVAL