Acne Solutions Frequently Asked Questions About The Cures and Causes of Acne

I've started getting acne spots. How long do they last?

This depends on what type of spots they are and, even then, it can be very difficult to predict what will happen. Some spots will appear and then disappear during the course of a day but others will evolve more gradually through the various stages. Comedones can be very persistent if they don't get inflamed.

Mildly inflamed spots will last 5-10 days before settling down, but can leave a flat red mark (macule) for several weeks. Nodules and cysts may last for weeks or months unless you get some treatment.

What is the difference between a whitehead and a yellow-head spot?

These two common terms describe quite different types of spot. A whitehead is a closed comedone where the pore is blocked and not open to the air. There is no inflammation (redness). A yellow-head suggests a spot with pus in it. The medical term is a 'pustule'. Whiteheads may become yellowheads if the blocked pore becomes infected.

Why am I the only one in my class who has spots? I heard it was very common but I don't think it is really.

The most important spots are the ones that you have, and you will be much more aware of them than anyone else. Other students might have spots that you can't see - on their back or chest - or they might be using some treatment or camouflaging make-up. Don't worry about them; just talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are not already using some creams.

My new boyfriend is really lovely, but he gets acne around his mouth and I don't want to kiss him in case I get it too. What can I do?

This is a common problem. Many people believe that acne is infectious and get more certain of this when antibiotics are used as a treatment. It is very important to realise that acne is not passed from one person to another, so you cannot 'catch' it, not even by kissing him. But perhaps you can suggest that he see his doctor for treatment if he hasn't already done so?

My nose seems to be developing lots of burst blood vessels, redness and little spots. I'm nearly 40 and have never had spots. What can I do? I don't want to end up with a big red nose like a drunk!

It sounds as though you might have a condition called acne rosacea. This is common from about your age and is similar to acne in some ways. It used to be called acne rosacea to distinguish it from acne vulgaris but this caused confusion so the 'acne' bit was dropped. It consists of papules and pustules, but no comedones, and they have a much redder background color. This is due to widening (dilating) of small blood vessels, which can look burst as you describe. Sometimes the tissue on the nose starts to grow and swell, causing an ugly appearance that has been linked with drinking too much alcohol. There is no link - acne is not the only condition with myths! Rosacea can be treated and you should see your doctor about it.