Dermatologists Can Offer Help For Adult Acne Sufferers

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Many people get acne as teenagers and then grow out it.

But a growing number of people develop acne as adults, which is hard on their self-confidence and could even hurt them in the workplace.

As CBS 2's Dr. Max Gomez reported, about 10 to 15 percent of adults develop acne at age 30 or older.

Sufferers said the adult acne can be embarrassing and affects self-confidence and social interactions. Some studies show it can hurt people in the workplace.

"Acne does not discriminate. We see it in men and women, we see it in dark and light," dermatologist Dr. Rutledge Forney said.

Adult acne is typically inherited.

"More often than not, it's just genetics. And I often say, 'talk to your mom, talk to your dad. See if someone in the family didn't start breaking out when they were a little bit older,'" Dr. Forney said.

For women, another factor might be a change in hormones around menopause.

Moving to another geographic location can affect both men and women, although doctors aren't sure why.

"Most people with adult acne, we can get clear with topical medications," Dr. Forney said.

Those medications reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that infect skin pores. Some sufferers also need to take oral medications to combat the acne.

One such medicine is extremely effective but should not be used if you are pregnant.

"It used to be called Accutane and it is a vitamin A derivative that often will give people the closest thing we have to a cure," Dr. Forney said.

The Accutane-type drug can cause birth defects if the fetus is exposed to it in the womb, Gomez reported. Before being prescribed the drug, women must have a pregnancy test and use strict birth control during the six months they're on it.

The bottom line, Gomez reported, is to see a dermatologist because there is help for your acne.

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