An Interview with Brian Keegan, M.D., Ph.D.
Adult acne is a topic
rarely covered in traditional or social media. However, that’s about to change.
In the article below, Brian Keegan, M.D., Ph.D., a board certified
dermatologist at Windsor Dermatology, provides insight to managing adult acne,
as well as debunks some myths associated with the condition.
Q:
What causes acne?
A: Acne
is caused when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oils. The causes
that contribute to breakouts can range from normal physiology to hormones or
medications such as steroids, lithium and chemotherapy drugs.
Q:
What causes acne breakouts in adults?
A:
We’re coming to a better understanding of acne, but we’re still not sure if acne
is the same in adolescence as it is in adults. For example, the medication
Aczone appears to be more effective when treating adults for acne, as opposed
to adolescents. This study and others like it suggest that all acne is not the
same; we just have to identify these differences, which is only a matter of
time.
Q:
Can acne breakouts become serious?
A:
Acne is serious on multiple levels. It’s not only a painful and uncomfortable
condition that has the potential to leave marks and scars, but it also causes
emotional and self-esteem issues. Often, people’s daily lives are affected. For
instance, when clothing or makeup cannot cover their acne breakout, they may
skip work or call out sick.
Q:
Are there other issues associated with the emotional stress of acne?
A: Another
serious factor contributing to the emotional stress of the condition is that
acne is “less appreciated” by the media and insurance companies. Adult acne
patients often feel alone or unique since there is very little media coverage
about the condition. Also, medical insurance companies often cap the age at
adolescence, or the early twenties, when a patient can seek treatment for acne,
making treatment more difficult.
Q:
Are there any myths about acne you’d like to debunk?
A:
Many studies suggest that different foods like pizza and chocolate can cause
acne, but there has never been any conclusive evidence to back up those claims.
Another myth is that acne breakouts occur because you don’t wash your skin enough.
That’s not exactly true; you can wash everyday, but still suffer from an
outbreak. In fact, sometimes outbreaks can occur because people are too
aggressive with their treatments.
Q:
Would you recommend treating acne at home? If so, how?
A: There
are many over-the-counter medications to help treat acne, however, they
generally include one of two of the medications. I recommend a wash with salicylic acid to help open pores and
spot treatment including benzoyl peroxide to kill inflammatory bacteria.
Q:
When should someone consult with a dermatologist about their acne?
A:
If over-the-counter medications aren’t helping to control the outbreak, it’s a
good idea to see a dermatologist since there could be contributing factors.
Also, a dermatologist can prescribe oral and topical medications to help keep
acne manageable or clear up the affected area completely.
