Is acne vulgaris chronic?

Does chronic mean acne lasts forever?

No. Acne tends to improve after age 25, although it can persist, especially in women. It is common in adolescents and young adults but also occurs in adults of all ages. There is no single age at which acne must stop. Isotretinoin can produce long term remission in many patients, meaning an extended period without active acne.2

Acne develops through a combination of follicle blockage, hormones, bacteria and inflammation. Family tendency also plays a part. Hormonal changes, certain medicines and cosmetics that block follicles can provoke flares. The condition can include blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed spots and deeper lumps, rather than one fixed type of spot.2

Is acne vulgaris chronic or acute?

Acne vulgaris is classified as chronic. An individual large inflamed lesion can be an acute problem within that chronic condition. Doctors sometimes use a corticosteroid injection for a large lesion that needs rapid improvement or carries a risk of scarring. Treating that lesion and managing the underlying acne are different jobs.12

What does ongoing treatment involve?

Treatment depends on severity. Medicines applied to the skin are the mainstay, including benzoyl peroxide and retinoids such as adapalene. A retinoid helps unblock follicles and reduce inflammation. Combination treatment can address acne in more than one way. Moderate to severe acne can require oral treatment; antibiotics should be combined with appropriate topical treatment rather than used alone.1

After oral antibiotics are stopped, continuing topical treatment helps maintain control. Clearing the current spots therefore does not always mean treatment is finished. Severe acne, acne causing scars, or acne that has not responded to other treatment can warrant isotretinoin under medical care.13

How do you care for acne prone skin?

Gentle cleansing is part of acne care, which gives the cleanser a job rather than a starring role.4

1. 1Wash affected skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
2. 2Apply topical acne treatment across the affected area, not only to individual spots, following the product's directions.
3. 3Remove makeup at the end of the day.
4. 4Avoid picking, squeezing and scrubbing, which can cause scars or worsen irritation.

Skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores, are the relevant shopping choices, not bottles with the most ambitious biographies.4

How long should you give treatment?

Convincing improvement can take several weeks or months. Topical products often cause dryness during the first two to four weeks. Retinoids can also cause irritation; using a moisturizer alongside them helps reduce it. Stop a product if it causes severe irritation and ask a doctor for advice. Seek a review if spots have not cleared within six weeks rather than assuming chronic acne cannot respond.13

When should you see a doctor?

Get medical help for deep, painful spots, scarring, numerous spots, or acne that affects your mental health. Hot, swollen skin with redness also needs assessment for infection; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Severe acne needs specialist care. Fever, joint or bone pain, or ulcerated or extensive skin lesions warrant urgent medical assessment.234