A PROBLEM SHARED

Got a problem? Dr Ranj Singh is here to offer his advice

Dr Ranj is always here for you

What can I do about acne? I’m 27 and have had it since my teens. It’s destroyed my selfconfidence. I’ve tried all sorts of products, and have even stopped masturbating as someone told me that might make it worse! Matt, Portsmouth

Wow, that’s quite a commitment to your skin health! However, you’ll be pleased to hear that wanking won’t make your skin worse.

Another myth worth exploding is that acne is caused by dirty skin, when in fact over-washing is bad for your complexion.

As you probably know, acne is caused by pores that become blocked, and then get infected and inflamed. The blockage is caused by a collection of oily fluid, called sebum, and dead skin cells. The glands that make sebum are really sensitive to testosterone, which is why acne tends to kick off in puberty — that’s also where the sex/masturbation myth comes from.

Acne is notorious for its effect on your confidence and it can be tricky to manage. Although there’s no cure, the right treatment can make it significantly better.

There is some evidence that eating foods with a high glycemic index (for example, sugary foods, rice and potatoes) can aggravate acne. Similarly, some people find that dairy products can exacerbate the problem, although this link hasn’t been researched as much. Keeping a food diary may help you identify any triggers.

If your acne is mild, visit your pharmacist. They can recommend over-the-counter treatments you can get without prescription. If your acne is difficult to manage, then it’s worth seeing your doctor as they may be able to prescribe topical treatments such as antibiotics, azelaic acid, or retinoids. These can take time to work and your skin may get worse before it gets better. If they don’t prove to be successful, then your doctor may put you on a course of oral antibiotics. However, these need to be taken for at least two months before you see an improvement.

If that doesn’t work, then isotretinoin (branded Roaccutane), is a highly effective treatment, but it can have serious side effects, so can only be prescribed under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Other treatments for acne scarring — not usually available on the NHS — include laser resurfacing, microneedling and subcision.

Otherwise, a bit of makeup can go a long way to improving the appearance of your skin and giving you some of your confidence back, but make sure that it’s non-comedogenic.

“Acne is notorious for its effect on your confidence”