ACNE
What is acne?
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 bacterla 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.
What causes acne?
With the onset of puberty, there is an increase in the prcduction 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 cr 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.
How common is acne?
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 dermatclogist (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.
How can acne be treated?
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 dcctor recommends. Most people try a topical treatment (an acne cream, ointment or geU 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 slx months.
Alternatlvely, if you are female, your doctor may prescribe a hormonal treatment. This is a special type of contraceptlve pill, which also decreases the amount of grease produced by your skln. 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.
HELP YOURSELF
- Avoid squeezing your spots, this usually makes them worse.
- Write down the names of all the creams you have already tried and give these to your doctor.
- If your skin becomes dry or red as a result of a treatment cream, try applying the treatment in the morning and a moisturiser at night.
- Remember to apply the treatment to the whole affected area, not just to individual spots.
- If you are given tablets or capsules, take these exactly as recommended by your doctor or dermatologist.
Further information:
Acne Support Group
PO Box 230
Hayes
Middlesex
UB4 OUT
Tel: 0181 561 6868