Acne is a very common skin condition, marked by blackheads, whiteheads and pus-filled spots. It usually starts at puberty and ranges from a handful of spots most adolescents will have at some point, to a more significant problem that can scar and affect confidence. For most people it settles by their late teens or early twenties, though it can persist longer.
How is acne treated?
If over-the-counter products haven’t helped, it’s time to see a doctor. Most treatments take at least two months to show their full effect. Depending on severity, options include:
- Topical treatments applied directly to the skin
- Salicylic acid wash and a home care regimen
- Chemical peels
- Oral antibiotics
- The contraceptive pill
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane)
Roaccutane
Roaccutane is a powerful, effective treatment for severe acne — but it carries real risks and can only be prescribed by a dermatologist. It can harm an unborn child, so effective contraception is essential during treatment, and it has been linked to depression in some patients, although most people tolerate it well. A full assessment is carried out before it is ever considered.