The Cosmedics
Acne
What is it?
It’s not just Spots!
Of course most people know what spots are and if you have them and they go, then you have probably sorted out a skin regime that works for you. You’re the lucky ones and this information isn’t for you. Everyone gets spots from time to time!
What about for those of us whose spots don’t go. Spots that stay, get bigger, angrier, redder, scar and then come back on top of the existing spots and scars.
Well if you’re in this category then it’s likely you have a condition called acne.
But how do I know if I have acne rather than just spots?
Well the main categorisation of acne is the presence of whiteheads and blackheads. In medicine we call these comedones.
You may notice yellow pus filled spots as well called cysts. Sometimes there may be scarring or changes in skin colour.
Do you need to see your GP if you have this?
Yes if you noticed all of the above then phone your GP for their advice. Especially if this extends further onto your back or your chest, as treatment you can buy over the counter is unlikely to work
What causes acne?
Get a mirror out and I’ll talk you through…
Can you see your pores… these are the little openings or what appears to be dots on the skin.
The pores consist of a hair follicle and oil secreting glands called sebaceous glands. These glands are there to stop the hair and skin drying out… your body’s own natural moisturiser.
In some people with acne these glands can be very sensitive and produce more oil. The pores can also become blocked with dead skin cells.
If the oil and dead skin cells swell outside of the pore this forms a whitehead.
Other times the material reacts with oxygen and becomes black (a blackhead)
Now our skin naturally has bacteria that lives on and within it. However some of this natural bacteria can thrive when the skin becomes too oily. This bacteria can multiply and penetrate the pores. This causes an inflammatory process… redness, swelling and pain. This is when you can develop very angry red spots or cysts.
.
Who gets It?
While we know this as a common teenage problem it can affect adults commonly too.
What can I do about it?
If you are suffering from this and especially if this is affecting your mental health then please speak with your GP
What will my GP do about it?
Remember your GP is there to support you. If you speak with your GP their goal is to understand how this is affecting you and treat the problem in the best way for you. GPs will speak with you over the phone, they may ask you to send in a picture of the affected area or book you an appointment in person.
Remember there is no one size fits all. Just because your friend or family member had a certain cream or medication, then it doesn’t mean it’s suited for you. This will depend on many other factors such as where your acne is, your age, your family history, your current health, if you’re planning to start a family. So don’t be put off if you’re recommended something different. Your GP is aware of all of this and will tailor the treatment to suit you.
What sort of things can your GP recommend?
If you have mild acne: which is acne that consists of comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) confined to your face then your GP may recommend a topical treatment (cream or gel to apply) called Benzoyl peroxide or Azaleic acid
If you have more moderate acne: whiteheads, blackheads and cysts but these are still confined to your face then a retinoid cream or a combination of retinoid and benzoyl peroxide cream may be prescribed.
More severe acne is all of the above, as well as scarring that extends further, usually onto the chest and back. In this instance creams are unlikely to be beneficial.
Antibiotics can be used in this circumstance.
For women if there is thought to be a hormonal aspect (acne that gets worse at varying times of the menstrual cycle, usually before a woman’s period) then the combined oral contraceptive pill can be considered.
If treatment fails to respond (usually after a period of at least 3 months) then your GP may refer you to a dermatologist.
My acne is mild and confined to my face can I buy any creams over the counter?
Benzoyl peroxide and Azaleic are treatments that can be bought in pharmacies so this can be tried safely for 2 months in the UK.
Read more on The Cosmedics cheap and simple things I can do to help my skin.
The above information is a brief summary of acne. For fantastic, easy to read, up to date information please visit
British Association of Dermatolgy
https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=65&itemtype=document