Acne
What is acne?
Acne is a very common skin condition characterised by comedones (blackheads
and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules). It usually starts at puberty and
varies in severity from a few spots on the face, back and chest, which most
adolescents will have at some time, to a more serious problem that may be
embarrassing, sap self-confidence and cause scarring. For the majority it tends
to resolve by the late teens or early twenties but can persist for longer in some
people. Acne can develop for the first time in people in their late twenties or even
the thirties. It occasionally occurs in young children.
What causes acne?
The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone, which is present in both men and women. This causes the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build-up of oil producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil is visible) and whiteheads. The acne bacterium (known as Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but, in those prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.
Is acne hereditary?
Acne can run in families, but this does not necessarily mean that if your parents had acne you will get it too.
What does acne look like and what does it feel like?
The typical appearance of acne is a mixture of the following: an oily skin, blackheads and whiteheads, red spots and yellow pus-filled pimples, and scars. Occasionally, large, tender spots or cysts may develop which can either eventually burst and discharge their contents or may heal up without bursting.
How is acne diagnosed?
Acne is easily recognised by the appearance of the spots and by their distribution on the face, neck, chest or back. However there are several varieties of acne and your doctor will be able to tell you which type you have after examining your skin. The most common type is “acne vulgaris”.
Can acne be cured?
At present there is no ‘cure’ for acne, although the available treatments can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring.
To find out about available treatments please visit this page on the website of the British Association of Dermatologists.
