Acne
Key Points | Overview | What can I do? | Treatment & Medications | Clinical Resources for Clinicians
Acne is the term used to commonly refer to the spots, blackheads and pimples many teenagers experience during their teens. Acne can also occur in infants (infantile acne), with prolonged use of skin care products (acne cosmetica) or as a side effect of some medications (especially steroids).
Another type of acne is known as Rosacea. This presents as a facial rash with redness, papules and pustules that typically occurs in women aged 30-50 years. The cause is still unknown. For more information visit the Rosacea page on Dermnet NZ.
Key Points:
- 80-90% of all teenagers develop some acne so you are not alone!
- Diet is not considered a factor in acne, but if you notice increased acne after certain foods, (eg chocolate) discuss with your doctor and trial avoiding them.
- Avoid picking and squeezing blackheads.
- Avoid oily or creamy cosmetics, moisturisers and use cosmetics sparingly
- Acne usually settles by the age of 20 years, if not earlier.
- With treatment, most people can significantly reduce their acne symptoms.
Video links to external website which may have advertising.
Overview
For general information about acne, visit the following webpages or resources.
- Introduction and video explaining what acne is
- NHS Choices
- Acne vulgaris - the main type of acne
- DermNet NZ
- What are the symptoms of acne?
- Best Health - UK
- Acne (spots) - the essentials
- Best Health - UK
What can I do? - Self help measures
Everyone has an opinion as to what will help with acne - some of it is helpful and some is misleading! Find out for yourself, talk with your parents and your local pharmacist about what may work for you. If these simple measures have not helped, then do go and see your doctor. There are a wide range of treatments that can make a big difference.
- Live well with acne and common myths explained
- NHS Choices
- Prevention and self help measures
- Mayo Clinic
- Exit Disclaimer: Reliable website, but does contain advertising.
Treatments & Medication
In the last 20 years, treatment options for acne have improved significantly. The severe scarring that some people used to experience can be prevented in many cases if they receive proper review and treatment early enough. If you have mild acne, then often topical lotions (applied to the skin) is all you will need. For moderate to severe acne oral medication is usually required.
- Information about the common medications and creams used for acne treatment
- NHS Choices
- UK website so may be different in NZ
- What treatments work for acne?
- Best Health - UK
Clinical Resources
This section will be of most interest to clinicians (eg nurses, doctors, pharmacists and specialists).
- Isotretinoin for severe acne
- bpacnz
- Isotretinoin - consent form
- bpacnz
- Isotretinoin - full drug information sheet
- Waitemata District Health Board
- Quality Use of Medicines team
- 4 pages