*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - Z : Zits and Acne

Symptoms of acne

Acne can range from mild, with a few spots, to severe, with deep, painful lumps under your skin. It usually affects your face, chest and back.

Symptoms of acne can include:

oily or greasy skin
spots on your skin
large, sometimes painful lumps under your skin
changes to your skin colour and texture, or scars where you've had spots
skin that may feel hot or painful to touch

Having acne can also affect your mental health, causing anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

Types of acne spots

There are different types of spots, and you may have more than 1 type.

Find out more

Acne types (British Association of Dermatologists Acne Support)

Things you can do to help with acne

There are some things you can do that can help with acne.

Do

wash your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser
remove make-up at the end of the day
use skincare and make-up products that are non-comedogenic (this means they will not clog pores)
try acne treatments you put on your skin such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide - you can speak to a pharmacist for advice
wear loose, breathable clothing (especially when exercising or sweating) if you have acne on your body

Don't

do not pick or squeeze spots because this can cause scars
do not scrub your skin as this can irritate it and make acne worse

A pharmacist can help with acne

A pharmacist can recommend treatments for acne, including:

treatments you put on your skin
supplements that come as tablets, such as zinc, niacinamide and vitamin A

Find a pharmacy

Find out more

When and where to get medical help

You may need to get help from a GP for acne. They can offer treatment and advice to help manage it.

See a GP if:

You have acne and:

you've tried treating it yourself but it's not getting better
you have lots of spots, or the spots are deep, painful or causing scars
you have signs of a skin infection, such as hot, swollen and red skin (redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
it's affecting your mental health

A GP may offer treatments you can only get with a prescription or refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

Treatments from a GP or specialist

There are many acne treatments available from a GP or skin specialist (dermatologist) with a prescription. They are stronger than products you can buy from pharmacies and shops and can be very effective for more severe acne.

Medicine you put on your skin

Acne medicines you put on your skin (topical) usually come as a cream, gel or lotion. They're used to:

reduce inflammation and oiliness, and prevent spots, such as the retinoid medicines tretinoin and adapalene
kill the bacteria that cause inflammation and pus in acne, such as the antibiotics clindamycin and erythromycin

Medicine you take

Acne medicines you take usually come as a tablet that you swallow. They're used to:

control the type of bacteria that cause inflammation and pus in acne, such as the antibiotics doxycycline and lymecycline
manage hormone levels that contribute to acne, such as the combined pill
reduce inflammation and oiliness, and prevent spots, such as the retinoid isotretinoin

Find out more

Treatment (British Association of Dermatologists Acne Support)

Causes of acne

Acne can happen when hair follicles (where hair grows on the skin) become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can grow in blocked hair follicles and cause inflammation and pus.

Acne can be caused by:

changes in hormone levels, such as during puberty, periods, menopause and pregnancy
conditions such as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) and rosacea
taking certain medicines
products you use on your skin or hair that can make your skin greasy

Find out more

Causes (British Association of Dermatologists Acne Support)

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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