Health Matters: acne

Uppermill pharmacist IAN STRACHAN examines acne

ACNE IS a common condition afflicting most of us at some stage in our lives.

It causes spots to develop on the skin, usually the face back and chest. These spots may be mild to deep seated, inflamed or even filled with puss which can become severe and long lasting giving rise to unwanted scarring.

CAUSES
Linked to changes in hormone levels during puberty, acne can start at any age. Hormone changes can cause the glands to produce large amounts of oil or sebum which encourages blockage of hair follicles.

Cleansing the skin does not help to remove these blockages. Furthermore, there is no evidence that diet, poor hygiene, or sexual activity play any role in the cause of acne.

The condition affects some 80 per cent of people between 16 and 19, although symptoms do tend to improve with advancing years as acne virtually disappears by your mid-twenties.

In some cases however acne can continue into adult life, affecting 5 per cent of women and 1 per cent of men over 25.

TREATMENT
This depends upon its severity as some cases may take up to several months before symptoms improve.

When acne resembles a few blackheads, whiteheads or spots they usually respond well to over the counter gels or creams from your pharmacy. Here is a number of self-help tips I’ve picked up over the years.

• Do not wash areas affected more than twice a day as frequent washing can irritate making symptoms worse.
• Use mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water as very hot or cold water can aggravate acne.
• Never try to ’clean out’ blackheads or squeeze spots as this can lead to scarring.
• Avoid too much make-up and cosmetics, selecting water based products which are less likely to block pores.
• Completely remove make -up before going to bed
• If dry skin is a problem then use a fragrance-free water-based emollient
• Regular exercise cannot improve acne but it can boost your mood and self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate acne
• Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face

I would advise seeing your GP if acne is more widespread or when remedies from the pharmacy have not worked. Some treatments can take up to three months so do not expect results overnight.

Next time: head lice