Acne

Most people will suffer spots at some time in their lives. The peak age for women is 16 to 17 years old and for men slightly later, 17 to 19 years. The spots are usually seen on the face but can extend onto the shoulders, upper chest and back. 90% of those people with spots will have a clear skin by the age of 23 to 25 years but the remaining 10% may continue to suffer from acne, sometimes even into their forties.

The spots are easy to recognise as they start as plugging of the sebaceous glands close to the surface (blackheads) or deeper down in the glands (whiteheads). These then become red and swollen (inflamed) forming lumps (papules) which then produce larger lumps filled with fluid (cysts). These may discharge, finally healing and leaving scars.

The Causes
There are several reasons that may combine to produce spots:

• Extra grease formulation on the skin
• High level of male hormones (androgens) that are produced by both males and females during adolescence
• The water retention that some women suffer before their periods
• Normal bacteria on the skin get into the glands causing the infective phase of spots. That is when the spots become swollen and discharge

Prevention

• Regular washing with soap and water to remove grease from the skin and hair
• Antibacterial cleansers may help the cleansing, your Pharmacist can advise you on the best for your skin type
• Sunlight can help to improve spots. In fact most people find their spots are better when they have been in the sunshine in the summer. Do not over-do it and become burnt. A small amount of sunlight is all that is needed

What can your Doctor do to help?
We are happy to be consulted about acne, as we can usually prescribe medication which will dramatically improve your acne. We can prescribe lotion or cream to put into your skin (local treatment), or, prescribe antibiotic tablets to take by mouth each day (systemic treatment). Each one of these will take a month or two to work and it is very important that you take the medication as instructed. One of these measures should clear your acne, but if you still have problems we can refer you to a dermatologist for specialist advice and treatment with stronger drugs.

.Source: AW 1993
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