Acne
A common inflammatory skin condition causing spots, blackheads and cysts.
Overview
Acne occurs when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation. It most commonly affects the face, chest and back, and can appear at any age.
Common symptoms
Spots and pustules
Inflamed lesions containing pus.
Redness
Persistent or intermittent facial or skin redness.
Skin texture change
Roughness, bumpiness or loss of smoothness.
Why it happens
Excess sebum production, follicular blockage, Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, hormonal fluctuations, genetics and certain medications.
Self-care that helps
Use a gentle non-foaming cleanser twice daily, choose non-comedogenic products, avoid picking lesions and apply a daily broad-spectrum SPF.
When to seek advice
Seek medical advice if acne is painful, leaving scars, not improving after eight weeks of over-the-counter treatment, or affecting your mood.
Treatment options
Specialists who treat this
Questions people ask
- How long does acne treatment take to work?
- Most treatments need eight to twelve weeks of consistent use before their full effect is visible. Improvement is gradual rather than sudden.
- Will my acne come back after treatment?
- Acne is often chronic, so a maintenance plan is usually needed even after your skin clears.