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Spots and Acne

Spots will usually disappear in their own good time, but there are things you can to speed them on their way – you can try using anti-bacterial face wash or extra sensitive cleaning products rather than normal soap or shower gel, you can avoid squeezing them and you can make sure you drink enough water every day.

Acne
Acne is a very common skin condition that causes inflamed spots. Acne can appear on different parts of your body including your face, back, chest and neck and can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful. Although having good personal hygiene is very important for lots of reasons, developing acne doesn’t depend on your level of personal hygiene. Acne can have a number of causes and is sometimes caused by stress.

It’s estimated that 9 out of ten 10 teenagers have acne to some degree.

Whilst some people experience a mild form of acne, with long periods between outbreaks, for 15 per cent of people it can be a more serious form of the condition. Many people with the condition find that it stops recurring after their early 20s, whilst others experience the condition for longer.

As well as the physical symptoms of acne, many people experiencing Acne also report that it affects them on an emotional level too – it can affect people’s self esteem, confidence and body image. It’s important that these feelings aren’t bottled up; it’s far better to talk to someone – friends, family, a teacher or perhaps a doctor – about such feelings.

I have Acne, what should I do?
Certain Face washes and creams can help some people with Acne, but you can talk to your pharmacist or doctor about your acne to see if you would benefit from a specialist medical treatment. Such treatments can often really make a difference, but some are only available through prescription. Not only will you doctor be able to give you a clearer picture of what is happening with your acne, they’ll be able to advise on what you can do to manage your acne and get you any treatments you need. They’re also there to talk to you about how to deal with the emotional side of having acne and how to manage any stress you experience.

The main aim of acne treatment is to clear the spots as much as possible and to prevent scarring. There are a number of different treatments as well as different types of treatment – some are applied to the skin and some are tablets. The treatments used depend on the severity of the acne.

If you have spots of acne, be aware that there are websites out there that make promises for creams, ointment and treatments that are just plain wrong. Don’t be taken in – if you are worried about spots or acne speak to your pharmacist or doctor – they’re there to help you.

Links and contact details

Name:BBC Info Website
Web:www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/acne1.shtml
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Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/small/en/home/healthencyclopaedia/a/acne
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Name: British Skin Foundation
Web: http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/
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Info: The BSF is a research charity. Loads of info on skin, spots and acne. Downloadable leaflets.

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Name: NHS Choices Website
Web: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
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