All About Adult Acne

Our health expert, Jackie Mitchell, finds out more.

ACNE is usually associated with teenagers, but it can also affect adults. The appearance of acne, whether in adults or teenagers, is similar, but there can be differences.

Dr Penelope Pratsou, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, explains.

“Some women with adult acne report acne spots mostly on the lower half of the face. Up to half of adult acne sufferers report scarring.”

Adult acne is up to four times more common in women than men, often attributed to hormonal fluctuations.

“We’ve seen a rising number of cases, but the causes are unclear,” Dr Pratsou says.

“There are potentially complex interactions between genetics and hormonal fluctuations, as well as factors such as a western lifestyle and chronic stress.”

Acne occurs when tiny pores in your skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. This can cause pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.

“Acne sufferers also get troublesome inflamed spots such as papules and pustules, as well as painful lesions such as nodules and cysts,” Dr Pratsou says. “These can persist for weeks.”

People most at risk are those who experienced acne in adolescence and those with a family history of acne (at least one parent), as well as some people on certain drugs for other health conditions.

Apart from the physical symptoms, people with acne can feel anxious, depressed and self-conscious and have low self-esteem.

“An acne break-out can mean people avoid or cancel planned social activities,” Dr Pratsou adds.

“Do consult your doctor if you’re getting persistent acne, especially if it isn’t under control with over-thecounter treatments or if it is causing scarring.”

Acne treatment usually comprises medication applied to the skin, such as retinoids or Benzoyl peroxide. These can be useful on their own or used in conjunction with oral medication such as antibiotics.

“While a three-to-six-month course of tetracyclines (a class of oral antibiotics) can help settle things, adult acne can recur after treatment discontinuation.

“Oral retinoids can be very effective for adults, but patients need to be monitored for possible side effects.

“Spironolactone is an oral antiandrogen treatment used quite effectively in the long-term management of female adult acne.”

The condition can’t be controlled with lifestyle measures or diet alone.

“Studies suggest an excess of dairy, especially low fat, can trigger breakouts in a small minority, while a high glycaemic diet with an excess of refined carbohydrates could serve as a trigger,” Dr Pratsou says.

“We would not advise anyone to follow a restrictive diet, but to lead a healthy lifestyle and moderate potential triggers.”

Visit www.britishskinfoundation.org. uk for more information.