Acne is a skin disorder that causes spots and is very common, especially around puberty. Around 80 per cent of the population will experience acne as a teenager or in their twenties.

What causes spots and who can get them?

Acne is caused by sex hormones – androgens – which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (grease). The increased sebum blocks the glands which creates the spot. Anyone can get acne and it affects people of all skin colours. However, acne is more common in young people and is usually at its worst around the age of 18-19. Hormonal changes, with menstruation (periods), for example, can cause or make acne worse. Occasionally individuals may suffer from acne into their 40s – but this is uncommon.

What are the signs and symptoms of spots?

With acne your oil glands become inflamed. These then show up as red lumps, yellow spots, blackheads and whiteheads. Young people with black skin often find spots make their skin darker. Very bad acne can scar and can also cause psychological distress. People with acne can feel self-conscious and may not want to be sociable. It’s therefore very important to get treatment.

How is acne normally treated?

There’s a lot you can at home to help with your acne:

• Make sure you get plenty of fresh air and exercise
• Sunny weather is good too – but make sure you wear sun cream when you are out.
• Avoid squeezing!  Picking at spots can make them worse and is more likely to make them scar.
• Some over-the-counter things from the chemist can be effective – ask the pharmacist for advice on what’s best to try first.
• Avoid oily moisturisers, which can block pores – try water-based ones.

If your spots are really bad a doctor may need to have a look at them. He or she can give you a topical treatment (a special medicated cream) to apply. This might be something like benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid.  These creams help to stop the growth of bacteria on the skin and to prevent pores from narrowing and blocking the sebum. Topical treatment helps a lot of people, but you need to follow the instructions very carefully.

Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics (such as tetracycline or minocycline). Antibiotics reduce the number of skin bacteria and help to reduce inflammation.For very severe acne, isotretinoin (Roaccutane) may be prescribed.

Can they be prevented?

Washing your skin carefully twice a day with an antibacterial face wash can help keep spots at bay. It’s also a good idea to wash your face when you break out in a sweat – after sports, for example.

When to ask for medical help

If you don’t see any improvement in your spots in six to eight weeks of treating them yourself, then make an appointment to see your GP.

Looking forward

Treatment for acne is very effective for most people, so try not to worry. If you have scars from acne these may be helped by abrasion or laser treatment. For this you would need to see a dermatologist. 

For more help and information

For further advice why not contact the Acne Support Group on 020 8561 6868

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 21 March 2007

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