Condition
Acne
Also called Pimples
An inflammatory skin disease that blocks the oil glands and causes blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled spots and cysts.
At a glance
Who it affects
Often begins in adolescence; it can continue or return later.
What you notice
Blackheads, whiteheads, red or pus-filled spots, and cysts.
What may help
May include creams or tablets chosen after examination; early care may lower scarring risk.
What is acne?
Acne, or pimples, is an inflammatory skin disease. The spots usually appear on the face, but the arms, back and chest can be affected too. It normally begins at puberty, between about 10 and 12, when the skin turns greasy, and often peaks between 13 and 19. It usually settles after that, though it can carry on into the early or mid twenties, and it sometimes returns in the mid thirties when hormones play a larger part.
What causes acne?
The oil glands in the skin are called sebaceous glands. At puberty the hormone testosterone makes them produce more sebum, the skin’s own oil. Dead cells, bacteria and sebum then form a plug at the mouth of the hair follicle. A plug at the surface shows as a black dot — a blackhead. A plug just under the skin shows as a white bump — a whitehead. When a plugged follicle bursts or becomes inflamed you get solid bumps, pus-filled spots and cysts.
Severe acne often runs in families. Greasy, oil-based cosmetics and heavy moisturisers block the pores, high-calorie food can make acne worse, and some medicines set it off. Many women get a crop of new spots a few days before a period.
How is it treated?
Acne needs a proper treatment plan from a dermatologist. Several creams and several oral medicines are available, and your doctor will decide which suit you. Severe acne may need a long course of antibiotics over several months. For stubborn, severe acne your doctor may suggest a medicine called isotretinoin. Take the exact doses prescribed for the full length of time; it can take several weeks for the face to clear.
What can you do at home?
Wash your face three or four times a day with soap and water. Shampoo your scalp two or three times a week. Avoid greasy cosmetics on the face. Do not squeeze pimples — squeezing makes severe scarring much more likely. Treating acne early lowers the risk of lasting scars.
How the clinic approaches it
Acne responds to treatment in most people. Your doctor may choose creams, oral medicines or a longer course; response varies.
Points to remember
- Wash gently; avoid greasy cosmetics.
- Do not squeeze spots.
- Come early if scarring is a concern.
Book an appointment
One clinic, one address, one number. Skin appointments and ENT appointments are booked the same way.
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