Other sites in our network: What's on TV | Now | Pick Me Up | Puzzles and Prizes
Branding_print

Acne

Acne
Average rating: 3 out of 5 star rating

goodtoknow says: Acne can be an extremely distressing skin condition but there are many successful treatments. Acne happens when the glands below the skin produce too much oil. Hormonal changes in puberty are often to blame which is why around 9 in 10 teenagers get acne. But it can affect adults too. Some women are prone to it just before their monthly period. Without treatment severe acne can leave scars so it's best to see your GP who can recommend a cream, gel, lotion or course of tablets.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of acne from patient.co.uk, read on.

Acne is common and is usually treatable. You may need treatment for several months to clear spots. Inflamed acne needs to be treated early to prevent scarring. Once the spots are gone, you may need maintenance treatment for several years to keep the spots away.

What is acne and who gets it?

Acne is the common cause of 'spots'. Most people with acne are aged between 12 and 25, but some older and younger people are affected. Acne usually affects the face but may also affect the back, neck, and chest. The severity can range from mild to severe. About 9 in 10 teenagers develop some degree of acne. Often it is mild. However, it is estimated that about 3 in 10 teenagers have acne bad enough to need treatment to prevent scarring. Untreated acne usually lasts about 4-5 years before settling. However, it can last for many years in some cases.

- More: what causes acne?

More on acne

- How to combat the worst of acne
- Remedies to zap those spots
- Find out more about stress
- Try our good skin diet

Average rating:

3 out of 5 star rating

Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below

madeline kavanagh, 2 months

im 31, and still suffer from spots, not as bad as i was when i was in my teens. ive recently had this really bad outbreak of spots all over my back and chest,they are really itchy and look like lumps sometimes. im not sure whats causing it, any ideas?

Report this comment

tabassum, over 2 years

i have got acne in my and some around my face i got this treatment before it has got but still some kind symptoms around my face and some spot come up my skin i am so stress about that why please give me some advice to clear my face.

Report this comment

Add a comment

Please enter the characters in the image:

IPC Media Limited, owner of goodtoknow.co.uk, will collect your personal information solely to process your request


Lose weight quickly with the goodtoknow diet club

Enter your details below to get a free diet profile

weight

height

age

sex


Win! Festive London trip

Win! a night in London with Dove Intensive Range

Go skating at an outdoor rink in the city and get Dove goodies too

Enter competition


Health

Menopause quiz

Menopause quiz

How much do you know about the menopause? Take our quick quiz to test your knowledge




Today's health poll

What are your energy levels like?


  • Really low, I'm always exhausted 47%
  • It vaires depending on what I've eaten or how much sleep I've got 50%
  • Pretty good, I have quite a lot of energy 3%