Acne

Overview

Acne isn’t “just a few spots” — it’s a condition that can affect how you feel about your skin, your confidence, and even your daily life. For some, it means the occasional breakout before a big event; for others, it’s a constant battle with painful, stubborn flare-ups that just don’t seem to go away.

Acne happens when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. The result can be blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, or cysts that feel sore to touch. It’s most common on the face, back, and chest, but it can appear almost anywhere.

While acne is often linked to teenagers, it’s important to know that adults get it too — especially women whose breakouts may be triggered by hormonal changes. The good news? Effective treatments exist, and most people see real improvements with the right care.

At SwiftMedi, we know acne isn’t just about appearances. That’s why every treatment is carefully assessed by a UK-registered prescriber, following a secure online consultation, to make sure it’s safe and suitable for you.

Symptoms

Acne can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Blackheads – small black or yellow bumps caused by blocked pores
• Whiteheads – similar to blackheads but firm and not empty when squeezed
• Papules – small red bumps that may feel sore
• Pustules – pus-filled spots with a white tip in the centre
• Nodules – large, painful hard lumps beneath the skin
• Cysts – severe, pus-filled lumps that can lead to scarring

Acne often appears on the face, back, shoulders, or chest, but can develop elsewhere too.

Diagnosis

Most cases of acne are diagnosed through a visual examination by a healthcare professional:

• Mild acne is usually self-manageable with over-the-counter products.
• Moderate to severe acne may require prescription medication to reduce inflammation, prevent scarring, and control flare-ups.

Blood tests or hormone checks are sometimes done if acne appears suddenly in adults or is linked to irregular periods.

Treatments

Acne treatment depends on the severity and type of acne. Options include:

Over-the-counter options:

• Cleansers, gels, or creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
• Non-comedogenic skincare to reduce pore blockage

Prescription treatments available from SwiftMedi:

• Topical retinoids (e.g. adapalene) – help unclog pores and prevent new spots
• Topical or oral antibiotics – reduce bacteria and inflammation
• Azelaic acid – helps with both acne and acne-related pigmentation
• Hormonal treatments (e.g. the combined contraceptive pill) – effective for women where acne is hormone-driven

For severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe stronger treatments such as oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane), but this requires specialist supervision.

Prevention

While acne cannot always be prevented, certain habits can help reduce flare-ups:

• Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser
• Avoid over-scrubbing or harsh exfoliants
• Use oil-free and non-comedogenic skincare/makeup
• Avoid picking or squeezing spots (this can cause scarring)
• Maintain a balanced diet and manage stress, which can worsen breakouts

Misconceptions

“Only teenagers get acne.”
False — many adults, especially women, experience acne linked to hormones.

“Acne is caused by poor hygiene.”
False — acne is not caused by being “dirty” but by complex skin and hormonal factors.

“You should squeeze spots to get rid of them.”
False — squeezing often makes spots worse and increases the risk of scarring.

FAQ

What causes acne?
Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles, excess oil production, bacteria, and sometimes hormonal changes.

Can diet affect acne?
For some, foods with a high glycaemic index or excess dairy can worsen acne, but triggers vary.

Is acne curable?
While there’s no instant cure, effective treatments can control acne and prevent long-term scarring.

How long does it take for acne treatment to work?
Most treatments take 6–12 weeks to show improvement.

Can stress cause acne?
Stress doesn’t directly cause acne but can trigger flare-ups in people who are prone to it.

Is acne hereditary?
Yes — acne can run in families, especially severe forms.