Acne - Causes and Treatment

What is acne?

Acne Vulgaris is a skin disorder that develops when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne can result in the development of blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled areas, cysts, or, in more difficult situations, infected lesions on the skin. After the acne has healed up, these patches can occasionally cause skin scarring. Although acne can afflict anyone at any age, it is most prevalent in teenagers and females.

There are effective acne treatments, but the condition may continue. The lumps and pimples heal slowly, and just as one starts to go, another seems to appear. Depending on its severity, acne can leave skin scars and create emotional distress. The sooner you begin counselling, the less likely it is that you may develop these issues.

Teenagers frequently get spots due to acne, which typically lasts for five years on average, though it can last longer and may continue into adulthood. Acne typically impacts the chest, back, or face.

Our GMC-registered, UK-based general practitioners will assess your medical history and, if necessary, issue you a prescription for prescription-strength acne medications like Dalacin-T solution, Duac once daily, and Differin cream. What causes acne?

Sebum, an oily fluid produced by glands below the skin's surface, naturally keeps the skin elastic and smooth. It is released onto the skin’s surface through tiny holes (pores), allowing hair to grow. The skin makes more sebum as a result of hormonal changes in adolescents. If one or both parents have acne, there is a higher chance of developing it. Spots, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads can develop when the skin produces too much sebum, which may prevent it from escaping from the pores and cause it to become clogged.

What makes acne worse?

The skin may swell up and develop pustules or cysts if the sebum becomes infected. These can be treated, but if the symptoms are not treated right away, there is a greater chance of skin scarring. Acne can be aggravated by picking or squeezing pimples, excessive perspiration, or a woman's monthly hormone cycle. It may also appear more frequently when certain medications are taken, such as the progestogen-only contraceptive pill (also known as the "mini-pill"). Acne is not worsened by stress or poor hygiene.

When to seek medical advice?

If you have mild acne, ask a pharmacist about the treatments. Consult a GP if these are unable to control your acne or if it is causing you great distress.

If you have nodules or cysts, you should visit a doctor because these conditions need an appropriate checkup to prevent scarring. Avoid the urge to pick or squeeze the spots, as this might leave permanent scars.

Because treatments can take up to 3 months to take effect, don't make quick predictions about your results. When they do start working, the results are generally positive.

Do not predict results suddenly because treatments can take up to 3 months to take effect. When they do begin to operate, the outcomes are frequently favourable.

How to get rid of acne?

A good cleanser is crucial for treating minor acne. Washing the area twice a day is enough; do not overdo it. Use simple, hypoallergenic cosmetics and look for items with the designation "non-comedogenic" (comedones refer to blackheads or whiteheads). Face washes and other treatments are made specifically for persons with acne, containing antiseptics and other compounds to clean the skin and unclog the pores, as an alternative to soap.

What medicines are used to treat acne?

Your healthcare professional may recommend various over-the-counter drugs for your acne treatment. Depending on the severity, you may require stronger prescription medication; you are older than the recommended age range, the type of acne you have, and over-the-counter treatments haven't been working well enough. Some medicines are applied to the skin, while some are taken orally.

Benzoyl peroxide is usually the first treatment done for mild acne. It is applied directly on the skin. The medicine is a leave-on gel or wash sold as an over-the-counter medicine. It works by targeting surface bacteria, which usually makes the acne worse. It's advised to start using it at a lesser strength (4-5%) and test it on a small area of the skin first if you're using it for the first time because some people discover that it can irritate their skin. There are other stronger options available, up to 10%. Prescription-free medicines are easily available at Spire Pharmacy. Salicylic acid is sold over the counter as a cleanser or lotion. It aids in removing the skin's outermost layer of damage. Dead skin cells are removed by salicylic acid, which keeps your hair follicles from clogging. Other medications applied to the skin for treating acne are Dapzone, Antibiotics, Retinoids and Azelaic acid.

An oral treatment is another choice to consider in cases of moderate to severe acne or when topical treatments are ineffective or irritate the skin too much. Among the antibiotics used for this are Tetralysal capsules, Oxytetracycline tablets, and Minocin MR capsules. Therapies like steroids, lasers and chemical peels also help in fighting acne. <

What questions should you ask your healthcare provider?

• What type of acne do you have?
• How bad is your acne?
• Do you require a dermatologist?
• Which over-the-counter medicines would you suggest?
• What prescription medications do you suggest?

To know more about the treatment prices, click here. About Spire Pharmacy

At Spire Pharmacy, we handle all the hard work for you, from reminding you to order, so you don't run out to coordinating your prescription with your GP. We provide you with a facility to provide the best treatment and medication at your doorstep. With over 300,000 patients trusting us, we have an Excellent rating on Trustpilot.