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Conditions

Acne

Acne vulgaris on the back

When talking about how we switch on to the opposite sex during puberty, comedian Eddie Izzard once said: “You think, ‘I want to get off with people, so I’d better look my best. Then Mother Nature says, ‘No! You will look the worst you’ll ever look in your life!’”

The common skin condition, acne, is often to blame, with around 80% of teenagers afflicted with some degree of acne between the ages of 13 and 18 years (although, a minority of cases may also start in adulthood). Commonly occurring on the face, arms, back and chest, acne occurs in puberty because of changes to hormone levels, which cause the sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum that blocks the hair follicles and causes spots ranging from blackheads to painful red nodules. Acne can often correct itself, but there are also a number of over-the-counter and prescription treatments available.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments

Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out the Channel 4 Health site or NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

i'm 30 with spots all over my back..very embarrassing.

is there anything better that you can suggest than the samaritans please?

this is not a suicidal thing, just a simple solution would do the job. Thanks.

elliot, you seem like a nice boy. im 14 too & im female. If you fancy a girl & she likes you too, she wont care about what you look like

Hi i have a problem with spots on my bum. It isnt really a problem most days but when it comes to sex they are quite ugly to look at and i am not comfortable when i go swimming incase you can see them, i have tried using tea tree to make them go, but nothing seems to work. i know they are not cists or lumps, they are just like normal pimples, is there anything that you can advise?

Hiya ,
I have acne all my back and some on my face and chest. I have had for over a year and its now getting annoying as i am now dating.
I Have been to the doctor and have been given creams but they dont work :S
What Can I do ??
And What does work ??

Hi im 14 and i have quite a few spots. i know i shouldnt use make up but i dont feel confident without it. My spots go through a faze where theyre ok then they flare up. i am currently using oxy but it doesnt seem to help – do you suggest anything?

hi iam 22 year old male and i keep getting spots around the back and side of my head which i find embarrassing, i was given some oxytetracycline from the doctor but it does'nt work any other suggestions?

hello, im 14 ive had acne for about a year and a bit its so embarrassing for me as my friends look at it and girls that i fancy do to, ive been asked to go swimming many times but i dont want to as im afraid of people looking and giving me . i have it on my forehead which is better now. my back and chest still are red in patches and some white heads ive got some srubbing glove things that i use in the shower and then afer i use a roller treatment thing that kinds of helps but i need something else what would you recommend

I have acne on my forehead and seem to bee getting worse.What shall i do?I have a fringe at the moment that gets gresy quite easy ,but soon want new hair style that seems to be the craze now but is leeting me down.Is my fringe causing them?.I have tried to clip my fringe up in a clip but am to embarresed if people see them at school as i know i will be made fun of.I am 11yrs am i to young?Should i use cream,
What cream should i use

helloo.. im 14 i have had acne since the age of 12 .. it is really annoying..
and i cant have a normal life..

i have been given many creams but they dont seem to be going.. my face is also starting to rash ..
any ideas on how to help ?

Hello.
Ever since I can remember I have had spots on my upper arms. They do not itch and they are only small. They usually flare up when hot or cold, but can always be seen. I have noticed a few people with these, but mine seems to be worse. I now have a few on my thighs, in between my ribcage where the middle of my bra sits. I alsio have them on my bottom and have done for a while now. Some of the ones here look like the ones on my arms and some are spots and can get really red and sore. This is a really big problem for me as I am so uncomfortable with showing my arms. I don't feel as confident as I should and, as I am sexually active, it is becoming a pain ducking and diving so that my partner (who I live with!) can't see.
Please help me as I am so upset about this.
When I went to the doctors he was quite unhelpful and told me to exfoliate, which i always have.
Thanks




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