Acne |
What causes acne? How common is acne? How can acne be treated? Help yourself Acne Support Group |
Acne is a very common skin problem affecting young adults. It
particularly occurs on the face and upper back. It usually occurs after
puberty, with the appearance of red spots or whiteheads and blackheads.
Blackheads are caused by a build up of dead skin cells, bacteria and
grease in the pores. The skin pigment collects, giving the blackhead its
dark colouring. Whiteheads are usually the same size as blackheads but are
more common. They are more likely to become inflamed and infected because
the grease and bacteria cannot escape. Small red spots are called papules,
and if they form a head, pustules. If they are large in diameter they can
last for weeks and will sometimes leave permanent scars.
With the onset of puberty, there is an increase in the production of
grease in the skin. This grease, together with dead skin cells, blocks
your pores causing inflammation. The greasy skin also encourages bacteria
to grow causing infection.
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by poor hygiene or not
washing your face. However, washing your face more often may slightly
decrease the greasiness of your skin. Another myth about acne is that
eating chocolate or sweet foods makes it worse, but what you eat will not
affect the severity of your acne. Acne is not infectious. You cannot give
it to someone else or catch it from contact with anyone.
Most of the population have had, or are suffering from acne. It is
usually a mild condition, but it can cause distress and embarrassment.
However, about 15 per cent of people suffer from more severe acne and this
is more difficult to cure. It may require treatment from your doctor and
in some cases a dermatologist (skin specialist).
Acne affects both sexes equally, but it is often more severe in males. It
occurs in the early teens and reaches a maximum at about 17 in girls, and
between the ages of 18 and 19 in boys.
The aims of treatment are to make your skin look better and to prevent
scarring. However, it may take several months to achieve this, so you need
to be patient and to use your treatments exactly as your doctor
recommends.
Most people try a topical treatment (an acne cream, ointment or gel)
first. There are several different kinds, including those containing
benzoyl peroxide, an antibiotic, or both. Many of these are available over
the counter in the pharmacy, as well as on prescription from your doctor.
It is important to apply the treatment over the whole area affected by the
acne, not just on individual spots. You should start to see some
improvement after six to eight weeks of regular use.
If your acne does not respond to topical treatments, your doctor may
prescribe antibiotic tablets or capsules. These work by reducing the
numbers of bacteria and the extent of the inflammation. To be effective
they need to be taken regularly for at least six months.
Alternatively, if you are female, your doctor may prescribe a hormonal
treatment. This is a special type of contraceptive pill, which also
decreases the amount of grease produced by your skin. You should notice
some improvement after three months and the maximum effects after six
months.
If your acne does not respond to these treatments your GP may refer you
to a hospital dermatology clinic for assessment and further treatment.
This factsheet supported by Roche