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Acne Statistics
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States.
It is not contagious, but rather develops most prevalently during the
teenage years and the early 20s. Acne is caused by an excess production
of oil in the sebaceous glands. Acne comes in many varieties including
blackheads, whiteheads and more severe forms including severe nodular
acne and cystic acne. The causes for acne are not limited to one portion
of the population. Acne affects all ages, races and genders.
Causes of acne include one or a combination of
the following:
- Genetics
- hormones
- Prescribed Medications
- Oil-Based cosmetics
- Stress
- Physical irritation
- Humidity and Environmental pollutants
Of the 85% of teenagers (between the ages of 12 and 24) that suffer
from acne, 25% will have permanent scars ranging from severe to light.
The American Dermatologist Association finds that:
- 20% of all adults have active acne
- 60 million Americans have active acne
- 20 million Americans have acne badly enough to cause scars.
- Only 11% of acne sufferers seek help
- Acne is considered a social taboo.
Acne affects people regardless of age, gender or race. While thoroughly
treatable, of those who suffer from acne:
- 11% will see a physician
- 20% will go to a skin care center
- 30% will use an over-the-counter medication from a drug store or
pharmacy
- 40+% will do nothing
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Many insurance companies deny treatment for acne for people over the
age of 25 as not being a medical condition, but rather a cosmetic one.
Considering the severity and spread of acne, knowing the facts and the
availability of treatments is essential to deciding what to do for a
personis acne.
A survey found that 75% of tretinoin (a drug prescribed for sun-damaged
skin as well as an effective treatment for acne) prescriptions for 33-year-old
patients were written for acne treatments. 63% of tretinoin prescriptions
were still for acne treatment at the age of 40. Tretinoin treatment
of non-acne conditions did not equal acne until the age of 44.
Acne remains the most common skin disease in the United States and
completely treatable. From the light cases to the severe, there is no
reason for anyone to suffer from acne with the multitude of methods
available. If a patient is uncertain about what type of acne they have
or what causes it, they should consult a dermatologist. The rewards
for treatment include a better complexion and better self-esteem.
Other Resources:
American Dermatology Association
Acne.net
BringHealth.com
McKinley
Health Center
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