Even getting the occasional spot can make you feel self-conscious and unhappy with the way you look, but for some people acne is a more serious problem. Acne is a very common skin condition. Although it usually starts at puberty, it can develop in adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Acne is characterised by blackheads, whiteheads, and red or pus-filled spots which appear on the face, back and chest. It varies in severity from a few spots to a serious problem that can cause scarring and severely affect the sufferer’s self-esteem.

What is Acne? The sebaceous glands in our skin naturally produce an oil known as sebum to keep our skin supple. However, people with acne have over-active sebaceous glands which produce an excess of oil that clogs up the pores. This results in blackheads (open comedones), whiteheads (closed comedones), and when bacteria reacts with the build-up of oil, this can cause inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots. There are many causes of acne, with hormones, diet, vitamin deficiency and stress all potentially playing a part.

Do I have Acne? Acne is readily identified by the appearance of the spots, present on the face, neck, chest or back. If you have oily skin and a large number of spots, it is worth visiting a doctor who will be able to give you a visual examination to determine whether you have acne and which type you have.

Treatments & Solutions No acne cure, whether bought over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor, will be a miracle overnight cure. However, there are some treatments that can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring. Acne treatments are available over-the-counter or by prescription only, from topical treatments in the form of creams, gels or lotions that are applied directly to the skin, to oral acne treatments that control hormonal fluctuations. Non-surgical treatments that have proven effective in the treatment of acne include laser/light treatments and also chemical peels. Whichever course of treatment you are recommended, you will need to be patient as most treatments take 2-4 months to yield maximum effects.

Costs Prescription acne treatments are available on the NHS (see NHS.uk for more information).

Over-the-counter acne treatments vary in price, and their efficacy cannot be guaranteed. Laser or light therapy for acne could cost anywhere in the region of £100-£300 per session. A chemical peel costs around £60-£100 per treatment and most patients require a course of 6-10 for maximum results.

Choosing a Practitioner It is always advisable to see a specialist skin doctor, also known as a dermatologist, when seeking treatment for a specific skin condition.