Acne or so-called youth pimples are extremely common. People between the ages of 15 and 25 can be particularly affected by it. Acne is actually the result of a blockage or inflammation of the so-called sebaceous glands. Many people tend to tinker with this. However, that is something you should definitely not do. Picking at the acne can make it worse. Your doctor may possibly prescribe certain medications that can reduce the severity of the skin condition.

What is acne?

Acne or pimples are pimples that can occur in different places on the body. In the majority of cases they appear on the face, back, chest or shoulders. Our skin contains glands that produce sebum. When these glands become clogged, pimples can develop. In particular, pimples occur in young people between the ages of 15 and 25. Almost all people get acne. Some people will receive more than others. Very occasionally it is also possible that the acne will only become apparent later. Acne is a visible skin condition that can not only be quite annoying, but can even cause psychological problems.

How do I recognize acne?

When acne occurs, pimples appear on the face, back, chest or shoulders. Characteristic of acne is the appearance of so-called blackheads. In that case, a white bump will appear on the sebaceous gland. This is actually nothing more or less than an accumulation of sebum. In a later phase it is possible that there is an "open blackhead". In that case it will turn black instead of white. Is there an inflammation of the sebaceous gland? A red pimple then develops, with a yellow pus head in most cases. Sometimes it is possible for acne to leave a scar after it disappears. However, that is the exception rather than the rule.

Acne can cause the person experiencing it to become somewhat depressed. This is the result of the fact that acne often occurs on the face and is therefore very visible. So it may well be that you start to feel ashamed or insecure about it. If that is the case, it can be a good idea to talk to someone about it. Of course, it is also possible to discuss this with your doctor.

Can I do something about it myself?

Acne is therefore the result of a blockage or inflammation of the sebaceous glands. There are several things you can do to (partly) prevent the development of acne or to prevent existing acne from worsening. For example, ladies are initially advised not to use make-up that occludes the skin. In addition, gel with benzoly peroxide is known to help. This gel can be purchased at pharmacies as well as drugstores without a prescription being required. There are many misunderstandings regarding the treatment or prevention of acne. For example, it could help to follow a special diet and sunlight could have a positive influence on acne. This is not correct. For example, up to the time of writing, no evidence has been provided for the development (or worsening) of acne as a result of eating sugar, chocolate, etc.

Which medications are used for acne?

In the majority of cases, the GP will prescribe treatment with benzoyl peroxide 5 percent. In most cases this is purchased as a gel. This gel is known to help with pimples with redness as well as yellow pus heads. This gel actually works in three different ways:

• It prevents thickening of the upper skin layer;
• It has an inhibitory effect on inflammation;
• She kills bacteria;

In principle, the doctor will tell you that it is most interesting to use the gel once a day in the evening before going to sleep. Do you have sensitive or dark-colored skin? Then it may happen that your doctor will advise you to use the gel in the morning. Before applying the gel, the skin should first be washed with lukewarm water.  

Suitable acne medications:

Isotrex
Differin
Duac acne gel
Oxytetracycline
Skinoren
Tetralysal
Minocycline
Treclin
Zineryt
Acid A Vit
Androcur
Inderm