Is there any type of acne that Blacks are predisposed to?
Dr. Nelson: Pomade acne occurs from the use of oil based products on the hair. Pomade acne was first reported in 1970 in African-American men who used scalp creams and oils regularly. It consisted of blackheads and whiteheads (mostly on the temple and forehead). In the original studies, several products were implicated in the acne, including products that contained cocoa butter, mineral oil and Vaseline or other petrolatum-based ingredients. It is thought that the occlusive nature of the pomades was at least partially to blame. Patients with pomade acne are often advised to use hair care products that are non-comedogenic or less comedogenic, such as products that are water or glycerin based.
Dr. Nelson’s three things Black people can do to cure/alleviate their acne?
- Stop using oil based products on the hair and skin that can promote acne. Go with dimethicone-based products for moisturizing the scalp and hair.
- Try an over-the-counter salicylic acid acne wash. Benzoyl peroxide is useful but may cause irritation and hyperpigmentation in skin of color.
- Use a non-comedogenic cleanser and moisturizer like Cetaphil or CeraVe in their facial product lines.
If breakouts are still problematic, you should see your local dermatologist or do an online acne diagnosis. Dermatologists can significantly help when home care or over-the-counter treatments are not resolving acne. There are three basic types of medications that can be prescribed by a dermatologist:
- The topical (applied directly to the skin) retinoid medication, tretinoin (Retin-A), which helps unplug oil ducts and exfoliates the skin to prevent acne, scars and dark spots.
- Other topical antibiotic lotions or creams.
- Antibiotic pills.
Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a very strong medication only used for severe cystic acne and only after all other medications have been tried. This is especially true for women of childbearing age because the effects on the unborn fetus are very severe. Your doctor will discuss this with you in-depth if this option is to be considered. Dr. Nelson reserves it for treatment failures and patients suffering over 10 years of acne without sign of resolution.
Wow, that’s a lot to digest. If you know someone who’s suffering in silence with acne, please share this article and encourage them to seek treatment.
Like BlackAmericaWeb.com on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
Cocoa Cure: The Truth About Your Acne & How To Control It was originally published on blackdoctor.org
