Treatment for acne

Treatment for acne

Acne is caused by inflammation of the hair follicles. It most commonly affects the face, back and chest Features include blackheads, whiteheads, pimples (zits) and cysts. In severe cases, acne may lead to permanent scarring.

Cysts are lumps under the skin that have pus and other tissue in them, but do not come to a head like pimples do. They can cause scarring, blotchy, uneven skin colour and pitting.

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Unfortunately, acne hits people at a time when they most want to look their best. Acne can make teenagers feel embarrassed and bad about themselves.

There are multiple treatments available for acne over the counter from pharmacies. The most effective of these contain benzyl peroxide, which is an antiseptic. It works to prevent new pimples from forming and in general, the benefits are first seen after six to eight weeks of daily use.

Treatment for acne – professional

If your acne is not improving with over-the-counter treatments or if you have more severe forms of acne, you will need to see your doctor. Your family doctor can assess your acne, determine if you are developing any scarring and prescribe treatments specific for your type of acne.

They may also refer you to a dermatologist for assessment and possible prescription of isotretinoin. After a course of isotretinoin, most people are cured of their acne. Isotretinoin can have side-effects that need to be carefully explained to you before commencing treatment.

Medication can lead to significant improvements in how the skin looks and can reduce the number of new pimples.

Medical treatments are topical or oral and can include:

• retinoids, which unblock pores of existing acne and prevent new blockages from developing
• antibiotics to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation
• hormonal agents, such as the contraceptive pill, to reduce the amount of androgen in the body and therefore oil secretion.

Treatment for acne – non-prescription

Some acne treatments can be bought over the counter at pharmacies or supermarkets. These work by cleaning the skin and drying up excess oil. Mild irritation can occur with such treatments. If this happens, take a short break from treatment and restart after a few days. If the irritation is excessive, stop the medication and speak to your doctor about an alternative.

It is a good idea to talk to a pharmacist before you buy a product to find out which treatment might be the most useful for you. A cleanser for acne-prone skin may be all that is needed for mild acne. Don’t rely on advertisements or the advice of friends.

Hormones and genetics

At the start of puberty, androgen hormones are released into the body. Both boys and girls have androgens, but boys have more of them. Androgens cause the oil glands in the skin of the face, neck, back, shoulders and chest to enlarge and to produce more oil (sebum).

Bacteria that normally live on the skin surface digest the oil and by-products from this digestion irritate the skin, block the pores and produce blackheads, pimples and cysts.

Girls tend to reach puberty earlier than boys and develop acne at a younger age. Acne can become worse or ‘break out’ at certain times of a girl’s menstrual cycle, usually just before a period.