Americans, Acne, and Affording Treatment

Acne is one of the most often diagnosed skin diseases effecting people of all races and genders in the United States. It commonly occurs among teenagers and people in their early twenties; however, someone can develop acne at any age.  The condition is not physically harmful but can be very damaging psychologically to both young adults struggling with their self-esteem or older patients who are concerned about social stigma.

Acne comes in several forms such as: whiteheads, blackheads, and the less common cystic acne and nodular acne. The primary cause of acne is increased oil production in the skin's sebaceous glands.  This excessive production can be caused by a variety of things, including: genetics, stress, hormone changes, and prescription medication. Acne breakouts may also be the result of environmental pollutants, a humid atmosphere, or oily cosmetics coupled with poor hygiene.

 Some statistics about acne:

• 60 million people in the U.S. have acne
• 20 million people in the U.S. have acne severe enough to cause skin scars
• 20% of all American adults have an active case of acne
• 85% of American teenagers have acne, which will cause permanent skin scars on 25% of them
• 40% of Americans with acne will not seek acne treatment
• 30% of Americans will buy over-the-counter acne medication
• 11% of Americans with acne will seek help from a physician
  

Today's acne treatments are very effective. However, to determine the best acne medication for one's specific condition, patients need to first identify the cause of their breakouts.  A medical professional can diagnosis types of acne and recommend which acne medicines will help clear the skin of the individual patient.  Within the United States, there are many excellent dermatologists which can be found through the American Academy of Dermatologists. Unfortunately for patients over twenty-five years of age, many insurance companies don't cover the cost of their treatment.   An adult patient's policy may cover a part of their doctor's visit, skincare procedures, and acne medicines but the remainder is their financial responsiblity.This is because insurance companies consider acne on adults to be a cosmetic issue and not a medical one.  Acne patients may have not be able to afford their skin therapy, which is why some people don't seek treatment.

Regardless of how insurance companies classify acne, patients at all stages of life want to treat this skin disease. Like a teenager, the self-worth of an adult patient suffers if they have a poor complexion which is riddled with acne. They shun social situations, aren't as comfortable in the workplace, and in general are less confident. Some adult acne patients have said that they feel they're not taken as seriously when they have acne, as it is a condition typically associated with young people. This is especially frustrating when patients know there is medication which can clear their break-outs but they can't pay for it. One alternative adult Americans with acne have found is to purchase their medicines through an online pharmacy. Electronic pharmacies like www.pacificonlinepharmacy.com carry acne drugs such as Tretinoin Gel (Avita®, Retin-A gel®) but offer them at reduced prices. This is a very welcome alternative for patients because their acne treatment is as much about building their self-esteem as it is clearing their complexion.