Acne

Acne is a long-term skin condition that can affect your face, back and neck. It is characterised by oily skin, whiteheads, blackheads and inflamed spots that can be painful to touch. The condition can also cause people to be embarrassed and lack confidence. Acne is most common in people aged between 11 and 30.

Acne is caused by the overgrowth of a bacteria called P. acnes on the skin and is linked to changes in hormones. Hormones called androgens control the amount of oil released onto our skin. A hormone imbalance means there is  a high level of production of the hormone, which causes blockages in our pores, resulting in spots and oily skin. The hormone imbalance varies in individuals and can be due to many factors such as, stress, weather, pregnancy, puberty or a woman’s menstrual cycle.

There are six types of spots (listed below) that may appear. All six may not be present at once in an acne breakout.

• Nodules - painful spots under the skin
• Pustules - red spots that may feel tender
• Whiteheads - white spots on the skin that are difficult to squeeze
• Blackheads - black spots on the skin that get their colour from the hair follicle’s inner lining
• Papules - pus filled red spots with a white centre
• Cysts - large spots that contain pus and cause scarring