Dr Bryan Betty: Acne

What is acne? 

• Very common.
• Affects hair follicles.
• Follicles have glands which secrete oily fluid, they can become blocked and cause inflammation and pimples.
• Typically whiteheads, blackheads or pustules, face, neck, back and chest.
• Can cause scarring if not treated, pigmented skin, and can sometimes have severe psychological affects.

Who gets it? 

• 85% of 16 to 18 year olds are affected.
• However the reality is any age can in fact get acne. Younger children and adults of any age.
• I often see older patients with persistent acne.

And what causes it? 

• Combination of factors not fully understood can cause acne.
• Family, hormones around puberty, bacteria on the skin.
• Flares can be provoked: drugs such as steroids, occlusive cosmetics, high humidity, some foods; for instance diary.

What’s the treatment? 

• Depends on the severity
• Mild: Topical anti-acne agents from chemist, combined oral contraceptive, antiseptic washes
• Moderate: We look at antibiotics often up to 6 months. Something called Doxycycline or erythromycin.
• Relatively new – low dose isotretinoin vitamin A derivative. Effective but careful side-effects – can’t use in pregnancy, watch mood.
• Severe: extensive skin lesions, fever skin infection,   may need specialist dermatologist

 

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