12233 Acne

Overview

Acne is a very common skin condition that happens when hair follicles (the tiny tubes in the skin) get blocked by oil and dead skin cells. It usually shows up as spots, pimples, or bumps on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. It is not dangerous, but it can affect how people feel about their appearance.

Yes. Acne is one of the most common skin problems worldwide. Almost everyone has at least a few spots at some point, especially during their teenage years.

Acne most often affects teenagers going through puberty, but it can also appear in younger children, adults in their 20s and 30s, and sometimes people in their 40s and beyond. It can affect any skin type or skin colour.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blackheads or whiteheads
• Pimples (small red or pus-filled bumps)
• Tender or swollen lumps under the skin (sometimes called nodules or cysts)
• Oily skin, especially on the face
• Spots on the face, neck, chest, back, or shoulders

Symptoms in children

• Acne in children usually appears on the face.
• It may look like small red bumps or blackheads.
• If acne appears before the usual teenage years, a doctor should check whether early puberty is a cause.

Symptoms in older adults

• Spots may be deeper, tender, and slower to heal.
• Acne in adults often appears on the lower face, jawline, and neck.
• It may flare up around periods, or with stress or certain skin products.

Causes

Main causes

• Hair follicles (tiny tubes in the skin) get blocked
• Extra oil called sebum builds up under the blocked pore
• Dead skin cells clog the opening
• Bacteria that normally live on the skin get trapped and cause redness and pus

Risk factors

• Hormone changes during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or with certain health conditions
• Family history of acne
• Greasy or heavy skin products, make-up, or hair products
• Sweating and friction from tight clothing or sports gear
• Some medicines (a doctor or pharmacist can tell you if a medicine is linked to acne)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if a spot becomes very swollen, painful, or shows signs of infection such as red streaks or spreading heat.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine appointment if spots are causing you distress, leaving scars, or not getting better with pharmacy products after a few months. Also see a doctor if acne appears before puberty or is affecting your daily life.

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse can usually diagnose acne simply by looking at the skin. They might ask about your symptoms, family history, and any products or medicines you use.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed.
• If the doctor thinks a hormone imbalance is involved, they may arrange a blood test.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will examine the affected skin and ask how long you have had the spots. They may talk to you about your skin care routine and any medicines you take. This is a good time to ask questions and talk about treatment options.

Treatment

Treatment for acne depends on how mild or severe it is. The main goal is to unblock pores, reduce bacteria, lower oil, and help skin heal. Some treatments work on the whole skin area, while others are applied directly to the spots. It can take six to eight weeks to see an improvement, so patience is important.

Self-care at home

• Wash the skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
• Do not scrub, pick, or squeeze spots. This can make acne worse and cause scars.
• Use oil-free or non-comedogenic (pore-friendly) moisturisers and make-up.
• Shower after exercise to remove sweat.
• Keep a simple routine and avoid trying too many products at once.

Medical treatments

Doctors can recommend treatments based on your skin. Some are applied to the skin as creams, gels, or lotions that help unblock pores or reduce bacteria. Some are taken as tablets or capsules for moderate to severe acne. For people with severe acne, a specialist may suggest other options such as hormonal treatment or a course using a medicine derived from vitamin A. Your doctor will explain the benefits and side effects so you can decide together. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Acne does not usually need surgery. Sometimes a doctor or dermatologist may carefully drain a very large, painful cyst in the clinic or use a procedure to reduce scarring, but this is not a routine operation.

Living with this condition

Acne can change from week to week. Try to follow a steady, gentle routine and not to over-treat the skin. Give any treatment at least eight weeks to work before judging it.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep hair and hands away from your face.
• Choose sportswear that is loose and breathable.
• Change pillowcases and face towels regularly.
• Manage stress with activities you enjoy.
• Protect your skin from too much sun and do not use tanning beds.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water is good for overall health. Some people notice that foods with a high glycaemic index, such as sugary drinks or refined carbohydrates, may make spots worse, but there is no single 'acne diet'. Regular exercise helps with stress, but shower soon after to wash away sweat.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Acne can affect self-esteem, mood, and confidence. If it makes you feel sad, anxious, or withdrawn, talk to your doctor, nurse, or someone you trust. It is not something you have to deal with alone.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent acne because hormones and genetics play a big part. But you can reduce flares by washing gently, choosing non-comedogenic products, avoiding squeezing spots, and removing make-up before sleep.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for acne. However, if you are worried about changes in your skin, a doctor or nurse can check it at any time.

Complications

If left untreated

• Permanent scars or dark spots on the skin
• Changes in skin colour after spots heal
• Low self-esteem or confidence
• Social withdrawal or anxiety

Long-term outlook

Most acne improves over time, especially with simple self-care and treatment. Even severe acne can be treated, and scars can often be improved with skin treatments. It may take time, but there are many effective options to help clear your skin.

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