Acne is a common skin condition affecting people of all ages, although usually starts in puberty can develop in adults well into their 20’s and beyond. Acne most commonly occurs on the face however can affect the chest and back also. Acne causes oily skin, blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), pus-filled spots (pustules), red bumps (papules), larger deeper bumps (nodules) and discolouration that can be red or hyperpigmented (darker than your normal skin colour). Severe acne can also cause scars, which can be firm and raised (hypertrophic or keloid) or indented (pitted or atrophic).
Acne is caused by oversensitive sebaceous glands (which produce our natural skin oils) which causes over production of sebum (naturally occurring skin oil) and a thickening of the inner lining of the hair follicle leading to a plugging effect. If the plugged follicle becomes fully blocked it bulges outwards creating a whitehead. If the plugged follicle remains open it creates a blackhead. These changes alter the activity of the naturally occurring skin bacteria cutibacterium acnes which becomes more aggressive causing inflammation and pus. Hormonal fluctuations, genetics, diet and certain medications can also play a role as these factors may influence the overproduction of oil (sebum). Additionally, picking or squeezing acne lesions can lead to and exacerbate scarring in the future.
All treatments at Bedeque Medical Clinic start with a consultation with Dr Siobhán. At this appointment we will take a 360° skin scan and discuss how skincare and in-clinic treatments can help you and your skin.
