Acne

Post-adolescent Acne in Women –What is the Cause and How can it be Managed?

Increasing numbers of women worldwide continue to have acne after adolescence or may even develop it in their 20s to 40s. Polycystic ovary syndrome may be an underlying cause of postadolescent acne in women. Assessment should include menstrual history taking and examination for clinical signs of hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism. Hormone therapy (usually the combined oral contraceptive pill) is an effective adjunct in the management of post-adolescent acne in women, including those with normal serum androgen profiles. Other antiandrogens, such as cyproterone acetate, may need to be taken in addition to the oral contraceptive pill.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2024

A GP’s Guide to Treating Acne – MM1607

Acne needs to be considered as a diagnosis in both children and adults, as well as the common acne in adolescents. Treatment needs to be individualised according to the clinical presentation and psychological needs of the patient. Due to global concern about increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria, antibiotics should not be prescribed as monotherapy for patients with acne. Patients have to be reviewed every three to six months so acne management can be assessed and medication changed if ineffective. Many patients worry about acne scarring. Early effective management can lessen the risk of permanent scarring.

Modern Medicine – July 2016

Treating Acne Early Reduces Scarring and Minimises Psychological Impact – MM1410

Acne (acne vulgaris) is a common human skin disease, characterised by areas of skin with pimples, seborrhoea (scaly red skin), comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (pinheads), nodules (large papules) and possible scarring.1 It affects skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles. This includes areas of the face, upper part of the chest and back.

Modern Medicine – October 2014