Acne

Acne is a common skin problem that happens when hair follicles get plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It can show up on the chest, face, neck, shoulders and upper back. These areas have a lot of oil glands that connect to hair follicles. Other pores, like sweat pores, usually don’t get acne.

Acne is most common in teens and young adults, but adults can get it, too. Medication, pregnancy, stress and changes in hormones can cause acne.

Symptoms can be different based on the cause of acne:¹

• Blackheads: When a pore is clogged and open, it can turn dark. It might look like dirt, but it’s actually bacteria and oil that turn brown when they touch air.
• Cysts: Deep clogs and swelling in the skin can cause lumps under the surface.
• Nodules: Inflamed and infected bumps that form deep under the skin.
• Papules: Inflamed bumps that don’t have pus.
• Pimples: When a pore gets clogged and infected, it can become a red bump with a white center.
• Whiteheads: When a pore is clogged and closed, it can form a white bump.

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss someone’s symptoms and review the medical history. They can examine the affected areas and develop a personalized treatment plan, which can include dietary or environmental changes as well as over-the-counter or prescription medication, if necessary.

1. You may have to answer a few questions 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, email address and phone number 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. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

• Diet: Foods like bagels, bread, chips and skim milk might make acne worse.
  
• Environment: Being around oil, like in a kitchen with frying, can make acne worse. The oil in the air can stick to the skin and block pores.
• Hormones: Changes in hormones, which can occur with menopause, menstrual cycles or pregnancy or when using birth control pills, can make skin produce more oil.
• Medications: Drugs with corticosteroids, lithium or testosterone can make the skin’s oil glands more active.
• Stress: High stress levels can increase the production of hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to oil production and lead to breakouts.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the acne. A treatment plan may include dietary or environmental changes as well as over-the-counter or prescription medication.³

Always follow the directions given by a health care provider or on product packaging. Some medication may cause acne to look worse before it gets better.

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss someone’s symptoms and review the medical history. They can examine the affected areas and develop a personalized treatment plan, which can include dietary or environmental changes as well as over-the-counter or prescription medication, if necessary.