Acne

How do I know if I have acne?

This skin condition is usually characterised by the formation of inflamed spots on the face, back and chest, as these are the areas where sebaceous follicles tend to be most dense. However, acne can take on more than just the appearance of red spots on the skin surface. Other forms of acne include whiteheads, papules, pustules, blackheads, nodules and cysts.

The causes of acne

As already mentioned, acne tends to appear most commonly on areas where sebaceous glands are present in large numbers. This is because these glands produce sebum, which is a natural substance that helps moisturise and protect the skin.

However, if too much sebum is produced, it can cause skin to become greasy, resulting in pores becoming blocked and acne to form. Excess sebum production is therefore often associated with androgens, which are male hormones, as they can influence sebaceous gland activity.

Changes in androgen levels can occur as a result of puberty, pregnancy or menstruation. Cushing’s syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome can also be causes of acne, though this is more rare.

Medications can also influence hormone levels, such as oral contraceptives or topical steroid creams. Some cosmetics can have an effect on the skin as well.

Preventing acne

There are no specific ways to prevent acne, but there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts. These include using skin products that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, as they are less likely to clog pores. You should also ensure that you wash your skin twice a day and after exercising, but bear in mind that over-cleanliness can antagonise sebum production on the skin.

Removing all make-up before sleeping and avoiding touching the face can greatly reduce the likelihood of acne developing.

Treating acne

Acne can be treated in a number of different ways, and the choice is largely determined by the severity of the acne experienced. The most commonly used treatments for acne are those that are available over the counter and usually include creams, lotions, washes, soaps or gels that usually contain alpha hydroxyl acids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulphur. These treatments can be very effective in managing mild forms of acne, but for more serious cases prescription medications can be used.

Prescription treatments are usually either antibiotic, dealing with the bacteria directly, or aiming to balance hormonal fluctuations, thereby targeting the root cause. However there are also treatments known as retinoids, which work to help minimise pore blockage by loosening skin cells. Prescription treatment can be oral or topical, and can include the oral contraceptive Dianette or antibiotics like Minocin or Oxytetracycline, all of which are available from euroClinix.