Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, back and chest.
The spots can range from blackheads and whiteheads which are often mild, to inflamed pus-filled pustules and cysts, which can be severe and long lasting and can lead to scarring.
Read more about the symptoms of acne.
What can I do if I have acne?
Keeping your skin clean is important to prevent new spots developing. Wash the affected area twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser, but do not scrub the skin too hard to avoid irritating it.
Although acne can’t be cured, it can be controlled with treatment. Several creams, lotions and gels to treat spots are available at pharmacies. If you develop acne, it’s a good idea to speak to your pharmacist for advice.
If your acne is severe and appears on your chest and back, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or stronger creams that are available on prescription.
See your GP if you cannot control your acne with over-the-counter medication or if it is causing you distress and making you feel unhappy.
Also see your GP if you develop nodules or cysts as they will need to be properly treated to avoid scarring.
Treatments can take up to three months to work, so don't expect overnight results. Once they do start to work, the results are usually good.
Read more about treating acne.
Try to resist the temptation to pick or squeeze the spots as this can lead to permanent scarring. Find out more about complications of acne.
Why do I have acne?
It is thought that acne is linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty.
Glands in the skin begin to produce excessive amounts of an oily substance known as sebum. This blocks small holes in the skin through which hairs grow (hair follicles), causing blackheads and whiteheads.
Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then infect a blocked follicle, causing pus-filled papules or cysts.
Acne is known to run in families. If both your mother and father had acne, it is likely that you will also have acne.
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women.
There is no evidence that diet, poor hygiene or sexual activity play a role in acne.
Read more about the causes of acne and some common acne myths.
Who is affected?
Acne is very common in teenagers and younger adults. About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will be affected by acne.
Acne is most common between the ages of 14 and 17 in girls, and between 16 and 19 in boys.
Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne usually disappears when a person is in their twenties.
In some cases, acne can continue into adult life. About 5% of women and 1% of men have acne over the age of 25.
