Conditions
Acne
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.
Comments and Questions
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
Hi, my skin gets scars easily, some of those have been been for years. what treatment or cream can I use to get rid of those marks? Is it stll possible after so many years? Thanks.
Hi im now 15 and have sufferd soo much from acne it gets me upset having to look at myself like this, ive had to for 4years now and doctors and medicine doesnt seem to help, i now wear makeup to help cover it up but doesnt always help, please come up with a solution to this :(
I'm 17, turning 18 and feel embarrassed when having sex. I just came of roaccutane after being on it for around 6 month. The medication worked wonders for my face but unfortunately i'm left with deep scaring, i try to avoid smiling to show it any further. At my age the scaring is having a massive impact on my life and i would do anything to have it gone! I also have acne, mainly blackheads and left over marks on my back which the treatment hasn't cleared up which makes having sex embarrassing. Iv had enough and just want it gone.
im sorry to hear this nightmare of your ! i know how feel :) i 'll do anything to get ride of ny blackheards it's taken over my life ! :((
Hi, I am 29 years old & still suffer badly with acne & won't go anywhere without any make up on but when I'm home I take it off to get as much air to it. Whether its a coincidence I have only suffered with it since my boy was born aged 7 now. It really gets me down & have pics to show you but am too embarrassed to show myself on your show as when my make up is on no one really knows how bad it actually is! I have seen my doctor & tried tablets, creams face wash, changed my diet & tried vitamin tablets. Also tried sudocrem & noticed a difference but only for a couple of weeks before it worsened again. I have had breaks from Using products in between & even leaving my skin to heal itself but it just won't go. It's embarrassing for my age & would really appreciate your advice? Thanks
Im 32 and suffer badly with back acne, ive been on tablets from my gp for three years but still the problem pursists, any help or advice would be gratefully recieved
Im 32 and suffer badly with back acne, ive been on tablets from my gp for three years but still the problem pursists, any help or advice would be gratefully recieved
hi paul, i have put this on the comment list and this is getting rid of my acne that i hvae had for years. hope this helps. im 15 years old and has suffered from acne for 4 years. Over the years i have tried many different creams and solutions that i have been given by my doctor and nothing has really worked but i got an idea off a friend of mine who said just wash your face with soap and blackhead cream (clean & clear. I have been using this methord for around two weeks and i my friends, family and myself have seen a big difference in my skin
im 15 years old and has suffered from acne for 4 years. Over the years i have tried many different creams and solutions that i have been given by my doctor and nothing has really worked but i got an idea off a friend of mine who said just wash your face with soap and blackhead cream (clean & clear. I have been using this methord for around two weeks and i my friends, family and myself have seen a big difference in my skin
I have had these bumps at the back of my head for about three years now. At first they were just tiny and very few, but now they have been spreading like crazy. Its is very embrassing whenever I have a haircut, and hair is not growing over them at all.
I've recently started getting acne in my bottom I wash regularly and I've visited my gp and they said it probably because I'm sweating down there I've tried bathing and using sudocrem and nothing seems to work any help ??
I am 21 and since I can remember I have suffered with blackheads and spots, I have tried everything can anyone help me and give me advice on how to get rid. I hate my skin so much. Thank you x
Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here
The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.