21st June 2018

Acne Awareness Month

June is Acne Awareness Month, and for those unfortunate to be living with this inflammatory skin condition, or the aftermath later in life, know just how difficult it is to manage. Not only does acne have an impact on your physical appearance, but it can also have an adverse effect on mental health and wellbeing on a day-to-day basis. With varying types of acne and an abundance of products and treatments on the market, taking control of your skin health isn’t as easy as ABC, which is why campaigns like this are so important.

What is Acne?

As mentioned above, acne is a skin condition that is extremely common, particularly among teenagers and other patients experiencing hormone fluctuations, like those during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. It can cause oily skin and spots, and sometimes skin that is painful or hot to the touch.

The face is the most common area to be affected, closely followed by the chest and the back. Blackheads and whiteheads, papules and pustules, nodules and cysts are the 6 main types of spot caused by acne, ranging from small, firm bumps to large pus-filled lumps. Acne is also known to be hereditary, meaning that you are more likely to suffer from the condition if your parents have or still do.

Acne Scarring

Acne scarring is a common side effect of active acne, particularly the more severe types, like pustules and cysts. The most important thing to remember is that you should do your best to avoid aggravating your acne and causing spots to rupture as this can lead to long-term damage, as well as infections and other complications.

When a spot bursts, it can damage the surrounding skin and lead to permanent scarring, which can take its toll on your confidence and self-esteem even long after your acne has cleared up. Scars can manifest in a number of ways, the most common of which being boxcar scars, rolling scars and ice pick scars, all of which require a unique approach to treatment and care, as do the varying types of active acne.

London Dermatologist

As a leading London-based dermatologist and laser specialist, Dr Firas offers highly advanced acne and acne scarring treatment, drawing upon years of extensive training and experience. As one of the few professionals in the UK that is certified to perform advanced laser skin resurfacing, Dr Firas offers an expert solution to your skin woes that you might not have considered.

First and foremost, scheduling a consultation to identify the type of acne or scarring that you suffer with is the only way to determine the best course of action for you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today!