Acne
More than four in five teenagers get some form of acne. It's much less common in later life.
Symptoms
- greasy skin
- spots (whiteheads or blackheads) on your face, back and chest.
- Most spots will not cause any other symptoms.
- Occasionally spots can become inflamed and infected (pustules, nodules and cysts) and may be painful.
Treatment
Most treatments aim to control the symptoms of acne by:
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preventing new spots forming
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reducing inflammation in spots that are already present
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preventing scarring
What is available:
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over-the-counter creams and lotions
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prescribed creams and lotions
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oral antibiotics (must have contraceptive cover if a sexually active female)
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certain contraceptive pills (females only)
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Dermatology referral for consideration of Roaccutane
Self-help and prescribed treatments for acne take time to improve your skin noticeably, so it's important not to expect a big difference overnight.
Your acne may only get better several months after you have been using the treatment regularly.
If your acne hasn't improved with self-help measures after about two months or is affecting you emotionally come and discuss it at the Teenage Drop-in Centre.