Acne is a common problem which will affect up to 85% of Australians at some time during their life.
Whilst, acne is more commonly seen in teenagers and young adults, it can occur at any age from just after birth to middle age. Acne can affect the face, back and/or chest of patients.
Acne has a variety of clinical presentations which often occur in combinations. These can be occasional blemishes all the way through the spectrum of pimples, blackheads (comedomes), whiteheads (pustules) to large cysts and painful swellings. The severity of acne can also range significantly from only a few mild lesions to very severe extensive lesions.
Acne is usually caused by a combination of excess production of skin oils (sebum), blockages of oil glands (blackheads) which may rupture causing inflammation, and overgrowth of naturally occurring skin bacteria (P.acnes) which lives on sebum.
Acne can be distressing to patients who suffer from it. However, there are a range of treatments available to manage the full range of acne types and their severities. These include over the counter topical preparations through to prescription topical therapies for mild acne, and various oral therapies such as antibiotics, hormonal therapy with the oral contraceptive pill, and a vitamin A derivative isotretinoin for cystic acne. It is important to get the right treatment for the right patient to avoid unnecessary distress and potential long term scarring.