Acne

Acne is a common inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous (oil secreting) glands of the skin causing inflamed red pimples on the face and neck. Most people affected by acne are aged between 12 and 25. However, men and women in their 30s and 40s can also suffer. There are many treatments available to help deal with the condition.

• 99% of people suffering from acne are affecting by it on their fac
• 60% are affected by it on their back
• 15% affected by it on their chest

There are 6 main types of acne:

• blackheads
• whiteheads
• papules
• pustules
• nodules
• cysts

It is thought that acne in teenagers is caused by increased levels of the hormone testosterone that occurs during puberty. The sebaceous glands are very sensitive and this excess hormone causes the glands to produce more sebum than is needed by the skin. Too much sebum mixed with dead skin cells forms a plug in the follicle and if this plug is close to the surface of the skin a lump will form causing a whitehead, if the follicle is open to the skin it will create a blackhead.

Adult acne affects more women than men and it is thought that this is due to changes in hormone levels due to:

• periods
• pregnancy
• possible side-effects of medication

There are no specific tests for acne. Your GP will make a diagnosis from looking at your skin.

Classification

• mild where it is mostly blackheads and or whiteheads on your face,
• moderate which is blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules on your face and possibly on your shoulders and back
• severe acne where you have papules and pustules and nodules and cysts.

Treatment

• mild acne is normally treated with a topical cream
• moderate acne may need a cream containing antibiotics
• severe acne may be a combination of oral antibiotics in conjunction with a topical treatment.

For more information
Visit the the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk

If you think you may be suffering from acne please see your doctor of healthcare provider.