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Acne treatment

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Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)

Walk-ins welcome — no appointment necessary!

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Need to know more about acne? We’ve got you covered.

What is acne?

Acne is a widespread skin condition. It typically appears on areas of your skin that have the most sebaceous (oil) glands, such as the face, neck, chest, upper back and shoulders. These glands connect to hair follicles.

Other pores in your skin, such as the openings of the sweat glands, are not usually involved. Acne is most prevalent in teens and young adults but can also affect older adults. Changing hormone levels, pregnancy, stress and certain medications can cause acne.

What symptoms can occur with acne?

Acne typically appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders because these areas of skin have the most sebaceous (oil) glands. Hair follicles connect to oil glands, and when the secretions clog the pores, these symptoms can appear:

  • “Blackheads”: A clog that is open to the skin surface can darken, creating a “blackhead.” Although blackheads may look like dirt stuck in pores, it’s the bacteria and oil congesting the pores that, when exposed to air, turn brown.
  • Cyst-like lumps: Blockages and inflammation that form deep inside hair follicles produce lumps beneath the surface of your skin.
  • Pimples: When hair follicles get clogged and become inflamed or infected with bacteria, raised red spots with a white middle may develop.
  • “Whiteheads”: The follicle wall bulges up with sebum (oil) and produces a “whitehead.”

Getting help

MinuteClinic providers are trained to assess acne. They can discuss your symptoms and review your medical history. They can examine the affected areas and develop a personalized treatment plan with medication if necessary

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Acne causes, symptoms and treatment

  • Diet: Certain foods, including skim milk and carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, bagels and chips, may make acne worse. Chocolate is also thought to increase acne.
  • Environment: Being in an oily area such as a kitchen with frying equipment may worsen acne because the airborne oil can stick to the skin and block pores.
  • Hormones: Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives can increase sebum (oil) production.
  • Some medications: Drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium can make sebaceous (oil) glands more active.
  • Stress

Acne products and medicines are designed to:

  • Fight bacterial infection
  • Reduce inflammation to help minimize and prevent scarring
  • Reduce oil production by sebaceous glands
  • Speed up the processes of skin renewal through cell turnover

Healing acne requires patience in following the treatment routine. For example, a treatment may direct you to clean and apply medications to the affected areas twice a day for several weeks. Take care to remove makeup regularly and thoroughly. Results might not be noticeable for 4 to 8 weeks, and your skin may appear to get worse before it improves. In some cases, it can take several months or years for acne to entirely clear up.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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