This month's feature article discusses research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology regarding the persistence of acne into adulthood.?The article confirms what many patients know and report to their Dermatologists:?Acne does not necessarily go away after the teenage years.??DIV>
The authors discuss that while up to 85% of teenagers experience acne to some degree, most expect the acne to resolve with time. While acne does abate for many patients, a surprising number of adults report new or persistent acne for decades.?Women report more adult acne than men, and this increased frequency in adult acne in women compared with men, becomes more pronounced with age.?It is not uncommon for some women to remark that they have to 'fight acne and wrinkles at the same time'!
Why women need to continue to fight acne after the teenage years is unknown.?Monthly hormonal fluctuations may account for some of the acne flares.?Stress has also been blamed for at least some aggravation of acne.?Some women may have a serious hormonal irregularity that results in facial or back acne, scalp hair loss, increased facial hair, irregular menstrual cycles and a difficulty in conception.?Individuals with adult acne should discuss their personal health situation with their medical provider before embarking on a treatment plan to fight acne.
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