Acne

So what is acne?

Acne is a very common skin condition. It usually starts at puberty and most adolescents will have a few spots at some time. Acne is based on the sebaceous (oil) glands that lie close to the hair follicles, and its characteristic spots are seen where these are common - on the face, neck, chest and back.

What are its causes?

The sebaceous (sweat) glands of people who get acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone. This causes the glands to pump out an excess of oil (sebum). At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the openings of the hair follicles are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects combine to cause a build up of oil within the hair follicles.

The acne bacillus lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems. But in those who are prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers a chemical reaction and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.

Sometimes the blocked follicles do not become inflamed. The term ‘blackhead’ is used when the blockage can be seen as a dark plug at the skin surface (caused by pigmentation, not dirt). A bumpy and flesh coloured blocked follicle lying just under the skin is called a ‘whitehead’.

What does acne look like and what does it feel like?

The typical appearance of acne is a mixture of the following: a greasy skin, blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and bumps, yellow pus-filled spots, and scars.

Some of the larger spots may be very tender and stay this way until they either burst or start to heal on their own.

Acne Treatments

What treatment is available?

We would advise you to get a diagnosis from your healthcare professional, who may prescribe a course of anti-biotics or topical creams, depending on the severity of your condition.

Acne treatments fall into the following categories:

• Those that are applied directly to the skin (topical treatments)
• Oral antibiotics (tablets taken by mouth)
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Other treatments

What can I do?

However your acne affects you, it is important to take action to control it as soon as it appears. This helps to avoid permanent scarring, and reduces embarrassment.

Dermaquest Acne Products

We Are Here to Help

More information

The Acne Support Group is a source of independent support and advice. Contact them on 0870 870 1213 or on http://www.stopspots.org