Chronic

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch. Acne most commonly develops on the: Back...

Causes

Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age.

Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum).

This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus.

The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores. Cleaning the skin does not help to remove this blockage.

There’s no evidence that diet, poor hygiene or sexual activity play a role in acne.

Treatments

Treatment for acne depends on how severe it is. It can take several months of treatment before acne symptoms improve.

Prescription medicines that can be used to treat acne include:

  • Antibiotic tablets
  • Topical antibiotics
  • Topical retinoids
  • Azelaic acid
  • In women, the combined oral contraceptive pill

For severe acne, a combination of antibiotic tablets and topical treatments is usually the first line of treatment.

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