Acne

Acne is a condition which develops in and around the hair follicles and their oil producing glands called the sebaceous glands. Although we have these glands all over the surface of our body, acne only develops on the face, chest, and back.

The oil produced by sebaceous glands is called sebum, which begins to appear soon after puberty. When the oil glands become blocked, comedones – or blackheads and whiteheads – are formed, bacteria in the deeper part of the hair follicle and beneath the sebum blockage release chemicals which act upon the sebum and break it down to release other chemicals. These chemicals make the skin around the hair follicle red and inflamed, resulting in a pimple. In bad cases, pus may develop within the pimple. Large, painful swellings called nodules and cysts may develop and result in scarring after the condition has eventually settled. These scars can either be depressed and sunken, or bulging and hard.

See your doctor if:

• You are so uncomfortable with the condition that it affects your quality of life
• It is widespread
• Self-care methods have not been effective
• There are large nodules and cysts
• There is significant scarring

Patients with mild acne usually respond well to topical treatments. These include sulphur and resorcinol preparations (e.g. acne clear cream and lotion), preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (erythromycin and clindamycin gel and lotions), and vitamin A -derived creams or gels (adapalene and tretinoin).

If your acne becomes worse and you have a lot of inflamed spots, topical treatment alone may not be adequate. Your dermatologist will probably prescribe antibiotic tablets, such as doxycycline, erythromycin, minocycline, and cotrimoxazole.

In very serious cases that do not respond to the above treatment, or in cases of severe nodulocystic acne, a tablet called isotretinoin may be given. This medication may give rise to side effects such as dry skin, cracked lips and body ache. If taken during pregnancy, it may cause serious damage to the unborn baby. It is hence important for women of child-bearing age to practice strict contraception while on therapy.