Home AboutContactPersonal site

Prof. Amir Horev

Dermatology and Venereology Specialist and Pediatric Dermatologist

Acne - the most common skin disease in adolescence

Acne begins with the blockage of the pores in the skin until they become clogged and comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) form. Acne may become inflammatory with the formation of pustules and even the formation of deeper inflammatory lesions in the skin such as nodules and cysts. Acne is mainly a disease of adolescents but will sometimes appear at a younger age (around the age of eight), and sometimes even in infants and young children.


Mild acne that does not bother the patient sometimes does not require medication and maintaining skin hygiene is sufficient or only topical medication is sufficient.


Oral medication will usually be given for: moderate-severe acne containing inflammatory lesions or a large number of comedones, scarring and the emotional impact of the acne on the patient following comments from those around them.

Causes of Acne

There are four main causes of acne: limited production of sebum on the skin's surface, clogged pores, bacterial involvement (Cutibacterium acnes), and inflammation - which is actually the skin's reaction to the first three factors.

Hormones, especially androgens, play an important role in the formation of acne in adolescents. During puberty, certain hormones are secreted in the body, some of which cause increased production of sebum, which contributes to blocking the pores in the skin and sealing them so that comedones are formed and the inflammatory process mentioned may begin. Hormones are the main reason that acne appears mainly in adolescents and is also called "adult acne".

Genetics and family history have a certain connection with the formation of acne. If your parents suffered from severe acne, there is a higher likelihood that you will develop more severe acne.

Treatments

There are many drug treatments for acne, some of which are topical treatments given as creams, gels, lotions, etc., and some are given in pills. The treatment must be tailored to the severity of the acne and take into account a large number of factors such as skin type, previous treatments, allergies, etc.

Patience is the name of the game in treating acne, some treatments take 4-8 weeks to see results, and then you have to continue with the treatment for a long time.

Washing the face - It is recommended that anyone who suffers from acne wash their face twice a day (morning and evening). It is also important to wash their face after physical activity and sweating. Rubbing and scrubbing the skin of the face are not recommended and may cause dryness and irritation.

It is highly recommended to avoid squeezing, "popping", or emptying the lesions. These can cause scarring and worsening.

Prof. Horev is one of the authors of the guidelines for treating acne in Israel

The Association's guidelines for treating acne

Prof. Horev - Ynet - Blood test predicts acne

Prof. Horev - Acne scars - Yedioth Ahronoth