Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a very common skin problem that causes spots on your face, chest, and back. Almost everyone gets some acne at some point in their life. It happens when tiny holes in your skin (called pores) get blocked.

What does acne look like?

Acne can cause different types of spots:

• Blackheads - small dark bumps (they're not dirty - they just look dark)
• Whiteheads - small white or skin-coloured bumps
• Red bumps - small spots that might feel sore
• Spots with white tops - these have pus in them
• Large hard lumps - these form deep under your skin and can hurt
• Large pus-filled lumps - these are the most serious type and can leave scars

Most people get acne on their face. About half also get it on their back, and some people get it on their chest too.

Why do people get acne?

Acne usually starts during your teenage years because of changes in your body's hormones. These hormones make your skin produce more oil. When this oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can block your pores. Bacteria that normally live on your skin can then cause redness and swelling.

You're more likely to get acne if your parents had it too. Women might notice their acne gets worse at certain times of the month or during pregnancy because of hormone changes.

Important: Poor washing doesn't cause acne, and neither does eating chocolate or greasy food.

What can you do to help your skin?

Here are some simple things that might help:

• Wash gently - clean your face twice a day with mild soap and warm water
• Don't scrub - this can make acne worse
• Don't squeeze spots - this can cause scars that never go away
• Choose the right products - use make-up and skin creams that say "non-comedogenic" (this means they won't block your pores)
• Remove make-up - always take off make-up before bed
• Keep hair clean - wash your hair regularly and try to keep it off your face
• Shower after exercise - sweat can make acne worse

When should you get help?

Speak to your pharmacist first if you have mild acne. They can recommend creams or gels that might help.

Speak to your GP if:

• The pharmacy treatments don't work after a few months
• Your acne is making you feel very upset or affecting your daily life
• You have lots of spots on your chest or back
• You have large, painful lumps under your skin
• You're worried about scarring

Treatment takes time

Remember that acne treatments can take 2-3 months to start working properly. Don't expect to see changes overnight. Most people's acne gets much better with the right treatment.

The good news is that for most people, acne gets better as they get older. Many people find their skin clears up by their mid-twenties.

If you're struggling with how acne makes you feel, don't suffer in silence - speak to your GP about this too.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.