Teenagers and acne

Dec 21, 2004 Viewed: 1377

Alternative names
Acne and teenagers

Information

Only severe cases of acne should be treated with drugs such as Accutane. People taking Accutane and similar drugs need close monitoring because of the potential side effects such as headaches, joint pains, muscle pains, and possible birth defects in infants of pregnant teenage mothers who are taking the medication.

Antibiotics such as erythromycin and tetracycline are not as risky but may produce side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or vaginal yeast infections.

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Acne is inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the skin. When the pores of the skin become clogged, the oil the sebaceous gland secretes becomes trapped. The plug causes the follicle to bulge (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug may darken (causing blackheads).

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised:

Diseases and Conditions Center

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All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.