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Acne

Symptoms of acne

Acne most commonly develops on the:

  • face – this affects almost everyone with acne
  • back – this affects more than half of people with acne
  • chest – this affects about 15% of people with acne

There are 6 main types of spot caused by acne:

  • blackheads – small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin; they're not filled with dirt, but are black because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces colour
  • whiteheads – have a similar appearance to blackheads, but may be firmer and will not empty when squeezed
  • papules – small red bumps that may feel tender or sore
  • pustules – similar to papules, but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus
  • nodules – large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful
  • cysts – the most severe type of spot caused by acne; they're large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring

Things you can try if you have acne

These self-help techniques may be useful:

  • Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
  • Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
  • Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
  • Avoid make-up, skincare and suncare products that are oil-based (sometimes labelled “comedogenic”). Use water-based non-comedogenic products, as they’re less likely to block the pores in your skin.
  • Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
  • If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.
  • Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
  • Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.

Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment.

If you develop mild acne, it's a good idea to speak to a pharmacist for advice.

Several creams, lotions and gels for treating spots are available to buy from pharmacies.

Products containing a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide may be recommended, but be careful as this can bleach clothing.

If your acne is severe or appears on your chest and back, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or stronger creams that are only available on prescription.

Why do I have acne?

Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age.

Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum).

This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus.

The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores. Cleaning the skin does not help to remove this blockage.

Other possible causes

Acne is known to run in families. If both your mother and father had acne, it's likely that you'll also have acne.

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women.

There's no evidence that diet, poor hygiene or sexual activity play a role in acne.

The main symptoms of acne are spots on your face, back and chest. Your skin may be oily, or it may be hot or painful to touch.

You can often treat acne with creams and gels bought from a pharmacy. If your acne is severe, a GP may prescribe stronger medicines or antibiotics.

Acne is often linked to changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age. It's also known to run in families.

Treatments from a GP

See a GP if your acne is moderate or severe, or medicine from your pharmacy has not worked, as you probably need prescription medicine.

Prescription medicines that can be used to treat acne include:

  • topical retinoids
  • topical antibiotics
  • azelaic acid
  • antibiotic tablets
  • in women, the combined oral contraceptive pill

If you have severe acne, or prescription medicines are not working, your GP can refer you to an expert in treating skin conditions (dermatologist).

For example, if:

  • you have a large number of papules and pustules on your chest and back, as well as your face
  • you have painful nodules
  • you have scarring, or are at risk of scarring
  • your condition is making you feel very low or anxious

For mild to moderate or moderate to severe acne, you’ll usually be started on a combination of topical treatments, or antibiotic tablets combined with topical treatments.

Hormonal therapies or the combined oral contraceptive pill can also be effective in women who have acne.

But the progestogen-only pill or contraceptive implant can sometimes make acne worse.

Many of these treatments can take 2 to 3 months before they start to work.

It's important to be patient and persist with a recommended treatment, even if there's no immediate effect.

Related links

Acne

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Complications

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1,656 public posts

Acne and scars

My daughter who is now 19 has lots of active acne in her face, and she also has deep scars as well due to the years of acne. She has PCOS, with very infrequent and irregular periods etc. Does anyone have any advice on getting rid of the active acne please?
My daughter who is now 19 has lots of active acne in her face, and she also has deep scars as well due to the years of acne. She has PCOS, with very infrequent and irregular periods etc. Does anyone have any advice on getting rid of the active acne please?
SK1972 profile image
SK1972
in PCOS UK (Verity)
2 days ago

B12 and Acne

But this acne is also getting out of hand. Does anyone know how to deal with this?
But this acne is also getting out of hand. Does anyone know how to deal with this?
Shipship profile image
Shipship
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
2 months ago

B12 acne

My daughter has developed terrible acne following B12 injections. Does anyone know how long this will last as it has had a devastating impact on her confidence.
My daughter has developed terrible acne following B12 injections. Does anyone know how long this will last as it has had a devastating impact on her confidence.
EliTottie profile image
EliTottie
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
2 months ago
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acne and pocs

Has anyone in this community experienced hormonal acne and had some improvement? TiA
Has anyone in this community experienced hormonal acne and had some improvement? TiA
Agw0 profile image
Agw0
in PCOS UK (Verity)
3 months ago

Acne and thyroid issues

Hi, I have hypothyroidism that I am not able to manage because with 75mg one day and 100mg the other day I was at TSH equal to 4 and acne free.
Hi, I have hypothyroidism that I am not able to manage because with 75mg one day and 100mg the other day I was at TSH equal to 4 and acne free.
Artemisiagent profile image
Artemisiagent
in Thyroid UK
12 hours ago

Possibly off topic-acne on the chin

I have acne but just on my chin. New pimples show up regularly and are deep inside the skin and usually painful. I’ve read that this might suggest issues with estrogen, does anyone else have this issue? Are there any tests I should be doing?
I have acne but just on my chin. New pimples show up regularly and are deep inside the skin and usually painful. I’ve read that this might suggest issues with estrogen, does anyone else have this issue? Are there any tests I should be doing?
Alex_p profile image
Alex_p
in Thyroid UK
3 months ago

acne from anemia

hi everyone I’ve just been diagnosed with pernicious anemia, I’ve just had the first 6 injections over two weeks and ever since my last one I’ve developed acne which I’ve never had. Any help would be appreciated Thanks
hi everyone I’ve just been diagnosed with pernicious anemia, I’ve just had the first 6 injections over two weeks and ever since my last one I’ve developed acne which I’ve never had. Any help would be appreciated Thanks
Becca2023 profile image
Becca2023
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
5 months ago

Anybody else? Self harm and acne

I developed acne in my later years and have received dermatology help on the NHS. I find it very hard to face the mirror as a result of the scarring on my arms and acne. I cover up a lot and find hot weather hard to manage and summer is coming up.
I developed acne in my later years and have received dermatology help on the NHS. I find it very hard to face the mirror as a result of the scarring on my arms and acne. I cover up a lot and find hot weather hard to manage and summer is coming up.
Brunette2023 profile image
Brunette2023
in Changing Faces
2 months ago

Acne and reflux (worsening) on HCQ

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has noticed a worsening of acne with HCQ (or alternatively a radically increased sensitivity to sugar)? Also, I’m on omeprazole but having to have so much rennies now too as my reflux is getting much worse. Has anyone else noticed these?
Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has noticed a worsening of acne with HCQ (or alternatively a radically increased sensitivity to sugar)? Also, I’m on omeprazole but having to have so much rennies now too as my reflux is getting much worse. Has anyone else noticed these?
Boo01 profile image
Boo01
in NRAS
7 months ago

Rash on face after surgery

within a few days after cranioplasty, I developed a terrible acne on my face as well as terribly dry skin. Has anyone had a similar problem?
within a few days after cranioplasty, I developed a terrible acne on my face as well as terribly dry skin. Has anyone had a similar problem?
egt5 profile image
egt5
in Brain Aneurysm Support
3 months ago

Spotting before period & acne

Also with associated chronic acne that doesn't go away (been that way for about 2 years now). I'm out of ideas. Got every possible test and ultrasound on the NHS. I don't want to go on the pill.
Also with associated chronic acne that doesn't go away (been that way for about 2 years now). I'm out of ideas. Got every possible test and ultrasound on the NHS. I don't want to go on the pill.
sadmonkey profile image
sadmonkey
in Women's Health
2 months ago

B12 Information

This is a link to an interesting video about B12 supplementation https://nutritionfacts.org/video/friday-favorites-do-vitamin-b12-supplements-cause-acne-bone-fractures-and-lung-cancer/?
This is a link to an interesting video about B12 supplementation https://nutritionfacts.org/video/friday-favorites-do-vitamin-b12-supplements-cause-acne-bone-fractures-and-lung-cancer/?
MoKayD profile image
MoKayD
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
2 months ago

Skin on fire

I have no idea if this is a symptom of endo but my skin is extremely itchy and covered in acne.
I have no idea if this is a symptom of endo but my skin is extremely itchy and covered in acne.
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK
1 year ago

Hormonal Acne - Something finally worked for me!

They studied diets and found that acne is closely linked with Western diets and inflammation. Acne is basically an inflammatory skin disease so it makes sense. In a tribe in Papa New Guinea, they could not find one single Papplewick, pustule in the community. Their diet is purely whole foods.
They studied diets and found that acne is closely linked with Western diets and inflammation. Acne is basically an inflammatory skin disease so it makes sense. In a tribe in Papa New Guinea, they could not find one single Papplewick, pustule in the community. Their diet is purely whole foods.
irishdaisy profile image
irishdaisy
in Adult Acne Support
24 days ago

Hashimotos and which contraception?

I have really bad hormonal acne, the last 4 periods i have been extremely low during pmt and I have been off the combination pill for around 5 years.
I have really bad hormonal acne, the last 4 periods i have been extremely low during pmt and I have been off the combination pill for around 5 years.
sparklefairy profile image
sparklefairy
in Thyroid UK
1 month ago

Fed up

Hiya I just feel the need for a little venting, I feel sad and sorry for myself today, curled up in the sofa, having pain and fatigue also I’m so sad when I look in the mirror I look so worn out and have a face full of acne ( I’m 40 why I am still having acne 😩). I just feel like 💩.
Hiya I just feel the need for a little venting, I feel sad and sorry for myself today, curled up in the sofa, having pain and fatigue also I’m so sad when I look in the mirror I look so worn out and have a face full of acne ( I’m 40 why I am still having acne 😩). I just feel like 💩.
Gothchic profile image
Gothchic
in Endometriosis UK
1 year ago

Bad acne on ivf drugs after BFP

Hi Ladies I’m just wondering if any of you had bad acne on progesterone and steroids after your BFP. It’s worse than when I was a teenager, any advise or recommendations to calm it down would be greatly appreciated 💫
Hi Ladies I’m just wondering if any of you had bad acne on progesterone and steroids after your BFP. It’s worse than when I was a teenager, any advise or recommendations to calm it down would be greatly appreciated 💫
Candlewax3 profile image
Candlewax3
in Fertility Network UK
5 months ago

Perimenopause advice PLEEEZ🙄

Rampant acne requiring oral medication from dermatologist because multiple topical creams did nothing, hair falling out in giant clumps, period cycles between 15 days or 3-9 months apart...your guess is as good as mine🤦🙎, pms on steroids, night sweats, exhausting fatigue, crazy mood swings that get
Rampant acne requiring oral medication from dermatologist because multiple topical creams did nothing, hair falling out in giant clumps, period cycles between 15 days or 3-9 months apart...your guess is as good as mine🤦🙎, pms on steroids, night sweats, exhausting fatigue, crazy mood swings that get
LifeIsThePitts profile image
LifeIsThePitts
in Women's Health
1 month ago

Has anyone used testosterone gel (topical testosterone) to help improve egg quality?but had uncomfortable side effect?

I'm writing today to see if anyone has experienced acne on your labia or lumps inside the skin of your labia. (This is why I've been using on and off because once I stop, they go away) I have gone down the google rabbit hole, but cannot find anything.
I'm writing today to see if anyone has experienced acne on your labia or lumps inside the skin of your labia. (This is why I've been using on and off because once I stop, they go away) I have gone down the google rabbit hole, but cannot find anything.
Ca22 profile image
Ca22
in Fertility Network UK
2 months ago

Acne and random bruising

Does anyone here struggle with acne and random bruises when their thyroid is under active
Does anyone here struggle with acne and random bruises when their thyroid is under active
Angie10116 profile image
Angie10116
in Thyroid UK
1 year ago
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