Acne is not just a teenage problem
While acne is common and almost an expectation for teens, acne in adulthood is also common but under recognised (especially by healthcare professionals). It may come as a surprise that almost 30% of 20 year olds have acne, as do 20% of 30 and 40 years old people. Many adults feel embarrassed by having a ‘teenage’ problem and are told to put up with it as it may eventually resolve with time.
The tide is changing and many adults with acne are seeking help. We increasingly encounter adults with acne at our Dermatology clinics, complaining of persistent spots or frequent breakouts.
The cause of adult acne is uncertain but many features are similar to teenage acne in that cells that line hair follicles are too “sticky”, sebaceous glands produce too much grease and P. acnes, a skin bacterium, thrives. All this causes blackheads, whiteheads and spots. In almost a half of women, acne may worsen with their periods. However, most women with acne have normal hormone levels. True hormone imbalance is uncommon but can cause acne, particularly in women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome which has other features such as irregular or absent periods and infertility.
A selection of effective treatments are available and treatment is tailored to individual needs. Topical treatments are useful for mild acne and include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and retinoids. These treatments usually require a doctor’s prescription. The effectiveness of creams varies significantly by how, when and where they are applied. It is important to get advice about this.
More severe acne requires oral medications including antibiotics and retinoids. Other treatments that can help improve acne include lasers, intense pulsed light, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
So while acne can be a chronic condition that can last months to years, very effective treatments are available that can either be used continuously for maintenance or intermittently for flares. Find out more about acne treatments at Midland Skin.
