Overview

Some people rarely have acne, but an unexpected acne breakout can occur at any time for a number of reasons. You may wake up in the morning and find acne on your chin, forehead or other areas of your face or it could develop during the day. Fortunately, several over-the-counter products exist to help eliminate acne.

Identification

You may notice a small, hard bump that can appear red in color or possibly a small bump filled with white pus. These types of pimples often occur just beneath the skin. You can also have a sudden outbreak of deeper, cystic acne. Cystic acne is often inflammatory acne and can cause a lot of damage to your skin, such as scars.

Hormones

Sudden outbreaks of acne can occur because of hormone fluctuation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Hormones can fluctuate due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause or the starting or stopping of an oral contraceptive. Teens often have sudden acne breakouts because the androgen hormone, which causes acne, fluctuates so much during puberty. Stress also causes acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Stress causes acne because when your body is under stress, it produces more androgen.

Medications

Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, anticonvulsants and sobriety drugs, can cause sudden acne breakouts. Although corticosteroids can cause acne, they are often prescribed for those who suffer from acne fulminans. This type of acne is similar to cystic acne in that it lies deep under the skin and is found in those who suffer from inflammatory acne. The corticosteroids help reduce the inflammation.

Prevention/Solution

If you're suffering from sudden acne breakouts due to certain medications, ask your doctor about possibly switching to a different drug that doesn't cause acne. If you notice that you have acne breakouts around your menstrual cycle or during menopause, talk to your doctor about possible hormone therapy to help control how much androgen your body produces.

Warning

Never discontinue any prescriptions without prior doctor approval. Never pick at the acne, as this can spread it to other areas of your skin. If the acne does not clear and begins to scar, see your dermatologist for recommendations as this may become a persistent condition. Do not use over-the-counter products that burn, sting or irritate your skin, as this can aggravate acne and make it worse.