Acne: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects teenagers and people of all ages. It causes blemishes like whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

To address acne, use a gentle cleanser on problem areas, apply over-the-counter products for excess oil, steer clear of irritants like oily cosmetics, sunscreens, and hair products, and resist the urge to pick or squeeze pimples.

Recommended Avoidances

Prevent acne by refraining from touching your face and avoiding triggering foods. Also, minimise sun exposure to prevent skin inflammation and worsening of acne. Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day, it can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.

Prevention Tips

Combat acne by gentle cleansing, opting for non comedogenic products, steering clear of acne-triggering foods, and reducing sun and oily substance exposure. Also, wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.

Condition 101

Acne, a common skin condition, predominantly affects teenagers but isn't confined to any age group. Known for its distinctive blemishes such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and deeper lumps (nodules or cysts), it can occur anywhere on the skin but most commonly targets the face, chest, back, and shoulders.

Acne manifests in various ways, including:

Whiteheads: Small, closed pores that appear as white bumps.
Blackheads: Open pores filled with skin debris, appearing black or brown.
Papules: Small red or pink bumps.
Pustules: Red pimples with pus at the tips.
Nodules: Large, solid, and painful lumps beneath the skin.
Cysts: Large, painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin.
Overproduction of oil (sebum)
Irregular shedding of dead skin cells
Build-up of bacteria
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes
Certain medications
Diet
Stress
If self-care remedies don't clear your acne.
If acne appears on your chest and back, as well as your face.
If you are experiencing emotional distress or low self-esteem due to your acne.

A doctor will typically diagnose acne by performing a skin examination and evaluating your medical history. More invasive or specific tests are generally not required unless a doctor suspects a more severe condition underlying the acne.
Dark spots on the skin
Scarring
Low self-esteem and self-confidence
Depression
Myth: Acne is caused by dirty skin. Fact: Acne is not caused by dirt. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps can cause further irritation.
Myth: Greasy foods cause acne. Fact: While a healthy diet is important, there's limited evidence that specific foods cause acne.
Other conditions that may mimic acne include folliculitis, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and keratosis pilaris.

CONTACT US

Treatment Options

Need more information about Acne, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Benzoyl Peroxide
Salicylic Acid
Sulfur
Retinoids

Topical treatments
Oral antibiotics
Oral contraceptives (for women)
Isotretinoin for severe cases

Call Now

Visit us

Our Boutique Pharmacies

Knightsbridge Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 01:00
Sun: 11:00 - 01:00

40 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7JN

Directions

Call Branch

Marble Arch Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 00:00
Sun: 11:00 - 00:00

99 Edgware Road
London
W2 2HX

Directions

Call Branch

Edgware Road Branch

Mon-Sat: 09:00 - 01:00
Sun: 10:00 - 01:00

160 Edgware Road
London
W2 2DS

Directions

Call Branch

Kensington Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 01:00
Sun: 11:00 - 01:00

19 High Street Kensington
London
W8 5NP

Directions

Call Branch

Cart0 items