Hormones stimulate the oil glands to secrete more oil. The skin pores become clogged and whiteheads and blackheads form. Bacteria grow in the clogged pores. When the body works to kill the bacteria, pimples form. These skin eruptions may be painful.
Treatment is aimed at stopping the plugging of the pores and reducing inflammation.
First you and your doctor will talk about how you are currently taking care of your skin. You will discuss which products, such as soaps and lotions, you should continue using and which you should stop using. Several products may be used to help prevent pimples or blackheads. Treatment usually begins with putting products containing benzoyl peroxide on the areas of skin with acne. If benzoyl peroxide alone is not effective, then you may also put antibiotic medications on your skin or your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be taken by mouth.