Get the facts about acne
Who gets acne?
- Nearly 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne at some point 1
- Acne can affect adults of any age2
- Common sites for acne are the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.1 While there's no magic overnight cure, acne can be controlled with the right treatment.
What causes acne?
Clogged pores
Acne occurs when the hair follicles or pores on your body become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and excess sebum (an oil the body makes naturally). This clogging encourages more bacteria and sebum to accumulate, resulting in a plug in the pore that dermatologists call a comedone or acne lesion1
Hormones
Hormones also play a key role in acne, especially in teens. That's because certain hormones, called androgens, multiply during puberty and increase production of sebum. In women, hormonal changes can be related to acne breakouts the week before their periods.1
Genetics
Researchers also believe that some people are born with a genetic tendency to develop acne.1
What does acne look like?
There are several kinds of mild to moderate acne lesions, commonly known as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and papules. A cyst is a more severe kind of acne lesion, which can be deep and painful.1
What can make acne worse?
- Oil from cosmetics
- Dirt or humidity in the air
- Tight sports equipment, backpacks, collars, and athletic clothes
- Picking and/or squeezing acne lesions1
Indication and Important Safety Information
Atralin Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris and has not been studied in patients younger than 10 years of age. Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you are allergic to fish; have a skin condition called eczema; are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; or are breastfeeding. To prevent aggravating the skin, you should protect your skin from sun, tanning lights, extreme wind or cold, and harsh skincare products. Use of sunscreen products of at least SPF 15 and protective clothing over treated areas are recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. Use Atralin Gel with caution if you are allergic to fish; if you begin to itch or you develop hives, contact your healthcare provider. The most common adverse reaction was mild to moderate irritation of the skin, which occurred during the first few weeks of treatment with Atralin Gel.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
References
1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders (NIAMS). National Institutes of Health. Questions and answers about acne. www.niams.nih.gov. Accessed October 11, 2010.
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Acne. www.aad.org. Accessed October 11, 2010.
© 2011 CORIA Laboratories, a division
of Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC