Acne
Also called pimples.
An inflammatory skin disease that blocks the oil glands and causes blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled spots and cysts.
Being updatedThe clinic is checking this page against its current practice. Everything here is from the patient leaflet; please ask at your consultation before you rely on a detail.
What it is
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 it
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 we treat it
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 you can do
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.
Written from the clinic's own patient leaflet, by Dr. D. A. Satish.
Common questions
- What skin conditions do you treat?
- The clinic's own patient leaflets cover acne and acne scarring, psoriasis, vitiligo, lichen planus and lichen planus pigmentosus, rosacea, urticaria, hidradenitis suppurativa, pityriasis rosea and keratolysis exfoliativa; fungal infections including tinea and pityriasis versicolor; shingles, cold sores, warts, scabies and molluscum contagiosum; male- and female-pattern hair loss; and the skin signs of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Dr Satish's stated special interests are clinical dermatology, acne, aesthetic dermatology and photodermatology.
Related
- Acne scars and marksMarks and scars left behind by inflamed acne, from flat surface pigmentation to deeper pitted scarring.
- Chemical peelingA controlled application of a chemical agent that speeds up exfoliation, so smoother skin regenerates from below.
- MicrodermabrasionA gentle, non-invasive exfoliation using a fine spray of medical-grade crystals to reveal fresher skin beneath.
- Microneedling fractional radiofrequency (MNRF)Superfine microneedles combined with radiofrequency heat to remodel collagen and improve scars and skin texture.
Please note
The information on this website is for general education only. It is not a substitute for a consultation, a diagnosis or a prescription. Always see a qualified doctor about your own condition.
Results of any medical or cosmetic treatment vary from person to person. This clinic does not guarantee a cure or a specific outcome.