Acne
Overview
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch.
Symptoms
Acne most commonly develops on the: face – this affects almost everyone with acneback – this affects more than half of people with acnechest – this affects about 15% of people with acne
Causes
Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age. Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum). This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus. The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores. Cleaning the skin does not help to remove this blockage. Acne is known to run in families. If both your mother and father had acne, it's likely that you'll also have acne. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women. There's no evidence that poor hygiene or sexual activity play a role in acne.
Treatment
Mild: OTC creams with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Moderate: topical retinoids, antibiotics, azelaic acid. Severe: oral antibiotics; combined contraceptive pill for women; isotretinoin (Roaccutane); steroid injections; laser therapy for scars.
Prevention
Wash affected areas twice daily with mild cleanser; avoid frequent washing; don't squeeze spots; use water-based non-comedogenic products; remove makeup before bed.
When to see a doctor
If you havemild acne, speak to a pharmacist about medicines to treat it. If these do not control your acne, or it's making you feel very unhappy, see a GP. You should see a GP if you havemoderate or severe acneor you develop nodules or cysts, as they need to be treated properly to avoid scarring. Try to resist the temptation to pick or squeeze the spots, as this can lead to permanent scarring. Treatments can take several months to work, so do not expect results overnight. Once they do start to work, the results are usually good.