Blackheads

What can I do if I have acne?

The self-help techniques below may be useful:

Don't wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
Don't try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring .
Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics. Use water-based products that are described as non-comedogenic (this means the product is less likely to block the pores in your skin).
Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free, water-based emollient .
Regular exercise can't improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising, as sweat can irritate your acne.
Wash your hair regularlyand try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.

Although acne can't be cured, it can be controlled with treatment. Several creams, lotions and gelsfor treating spots are available at pharmacies.

If you develop acne, it's a good idea to speak to your pharmacist for advice. Products containing a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide may be recommended but be careful, as this can bleach clothing.

If your acne is severe or appears on your chest and back, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or stronger creams that are only available on prescription.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 19 Jan 2018

Articles for blackheads

Acne myths

Despite being one of the most wide spread skin conditions, acne is also one of the most poorly understood. There are many myths and misconceptions about it: "Acne is caused by a poor diet". "Acne is caused by having dirty skin and poor hygiene". "Squeezing blackheads, whiteheads and spots is the best way to get rid of acne"

Introduction

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch. Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older.

Causes

Teenage acne is thought to be triggered by increased levels of a hormone called testosterone, which occurs during puberty. More than 80% of cases of adult acne occur in women. It's thought that many cases of adult acne arecaused by the changes in hormone levels that many women have at certain times.

Diagnosis

Your GP will be able diagnosis acne by looking at your skin. This will involve examining your face, chest and back for the different types of spot. How many spots you have and how painful and inflamed they are will help determine how severe your acne is. This is important in planning your treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for acne depends on how severe it is. It can take several months of treatment before acne symptoms improve. If you just have a few blackheads, whiteheads and spots, you should be able to treat them successfully with over-the-counter gels or creams (topical treatments) that contain benzoyl peroxide. See your GP if your acne is more widespread, as you probably need prescription medication.

Complications

Acne scarring can sometimes develop as a complication of acne. This is more common when the most serious types of spots burst and damage nearby skin. Once subscision has been completed, additional treatment, such as laser treatment and dermabrasion, can be used to further improve the appearance of the scar.

What can I do if I have acne?

The self-help techniques that may be useful: Don't wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse. Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse. Don't try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring . Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics.

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