&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Acne: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options &amp;amp; When to See a Doctor&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Acne is a common skin condition that develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and deeper, painful spots. While acne is most common during the teenage years, it can affect people of all ages.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;For many, acne is more than a cosmetic concern. Persistent breakouts can affect confidence and emotional wellbeing and may lead to permanent scarring if left untreated. The good news is that effective treatments are widely available, and early management can significantly reduce long-term skin damage.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Are the Symptoms of Acne?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Acne can vary from mild to severe. Common signs include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Whiteheads&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &amp;ndash; closed, clogged pores beneath the skin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Blackheads&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &amp;ndash; open, blocked pores that darken when exposed to air&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Papules&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &amp;ndash; small, red, tender bumps&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pustules&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&amp;ndash; inflamed spots filled with pus&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Nodules&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &amp;ndash; large, solid, and painful lumps beneath the skin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cystic acne&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &amp;ndash; deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that may scar&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Acne most commonly appears on the &lt;strong&gt;face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders&lt;/strong&gt;, where oil glands are most active.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Causes Acne?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Acne develops due to a combination of factors affecting the hair follicles and oil glands. The four main causes are:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Excess oil (sebum) production&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Blocked hair follicles from dead skin cells&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bacterial growth within clogged pores&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Inflammation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;When a pore becomes blocked, it may form a whitehead or blackhead. If bacteria multiply within the pore, inflammation can develop, leading to pimples or deeper cysts.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Factors That Can Trigger or Worsen Acne&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hormonal changes:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Androgens increase during puberty and stimulate oil glands. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation and midlife can also cause breakouts, particularly in women.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Medications:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Certain drugs, including corticosteroids, testosterone and lithium, may contribute to acne.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Diet:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Some studies suggest that high-glycaemic foods (such as white bread, bagels and crisps) may worsen acne in some people. Research is ongoing, and dietary triggers vary between individuals.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stress:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Stress does not directly cause acne, but it can worsen existing breakouts.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common Acne Myths&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;There are several misconceptions about acne:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Chocolate and greasy foods:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These have little direct impact on acne for most people.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Poor hygiene:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Acne is not caused by dirty skin. Over-washing or harsh scrubbing can irritate the skin and make acne worse.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Make-up:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Oil-free, non-comedogenic cosmetics do not necessarily worsen acne when removed properly.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Acne Complications&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If not managed effectively, acne can lead to long-term skin changes, including:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Scarring&lt;/strong&gt;, such as pitted scars or raised keloids&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Changes in skin colour&lt;/strong&gt;, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These complications are more common in people with &lt;strong&gt;darker skin tones&lt;/strong&gt;, highlighting the importance of early and appropriate treatment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Risk Factors for Acne&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;You may be more likely to develop acne if you have:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Family history&lt;/strong&gt; of acne&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hormonal changes&lt;/strong&gt;, such as during puberty or pregnancy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Oily skin&lt;/strong&gt; or frequent exposure to greasy substances&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Friction or pressure&lt;/strong&gt; on the skin from helmets, phones, backpacks, or tight clothing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Treatment Options for Acne&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Treatment depends on the severity and type of acne and may include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Topical treatments&lt;/strong&gt;, such as retinoids or antibacterial creams&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Prescription medications&lt;/strong&gt;, including antibiotics or hormonal therapies&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Advanced dermatological treatments&lt;/strong&gt; for severe or persistent acne&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A healthcare professional can tailor treatment to your skin type and needs, helping to reduce breakouts and prevent scarring.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When to See a Doctor&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;You should consult a healthcare professional if:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Over-the-counter treatments are not improving your acne&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Acne is painful, widespread or leaving scars&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Breakouts persist into adulthood or worsen suddenly&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Acne is affecting your confidence or mental wellbeing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Women who experience acne flares linked to their menstrual cycle may benefit from medical advice, as hormonal treatment can be effective.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;In &lt;strong&gt;older adults&lt;/strong&gt;, sudden severe acne may indicate an underlying medical condition and should be assessed promptly.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Seek Urgent Medical Help If You Experience:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;After using a skincare product, get emergency care if you develop:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Difficulty breathing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or eyes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Tightness in the throat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Dizziness or fainting&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These reactions are rare but can be serious.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;All in All&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Acne is a highly treatable condition, and no one should feel they have to &amp;ldquo;just live with it&amp;rdquo;. Early diagnosis, personalised treatment and professional guidance can make a significant difference to both skin health and confidence.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Acne: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options & When to See a Doctor

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW