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What is acne?Ìý
- Very common.
- Affects hair follicles.
- Follicles have glands which secrete oily fluid, they can become blocked and cause inflammation and pimples.
- Typically whiteheads, blackheads or pustules, face, neck, back and chest.
- Can cause scarring if not treated, pigmented skin, and can sometimes haveÌýsevere psychological affects.
Who gets it?Ìý
- 85% of 16 to 18 year olds are affected.
- However the reality is any age can in fact get acne. Younger children and adults of any age.
- I often see older patients with persistent acne.
And what causes it?Ìý
- Combination of factors not fully understood can cause acne.
- Family, hormones around puberty, bacteria on the skin.
- Flares can be provoked: drugs such as steroids, occlusive cosmetics, high humidity, some foods; for instance diary.
What’s the treatment?Ìý
- Depends on the severity
- Mild: Topical anti-acne agents from chemist, combined oral contraceptive, antiseptic washes
- Moderate: We look at antibiotics often up to 6 months. Something called Doxycycline or erythromycin.
- Relatively new – low dose isotretinoin vitamin A derivative. Effective but careful side-effects – can’t use in pregnancy, watch mood.
- Severe: extensive skin lesions, fever skin infection,ÌýÌý may need specialist dermatologist
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