Acne
May 14, 2026
Acne – causes, symptoms and treatment

Get quick help for your acne
With us at Recetas Medicas you can get quick help for your acne today. All you need to do is fill out our health form and upload pictures of the affected area, and you will receive a medical assessment and prescription for treatment today.
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What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of pimples, blackheads, and in some cases, deeper skin inflammations such as cysts and nodules. It is a very common condition, especially among teenagers and young adults, but it can affect people of all ages. Acne occurs primarily on the face, back, and chest, where the most sebaceous glands are located.
Causes of Acne – Why do we get pimples?
Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin become overactive and produce too much sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin supple. This overproduction can lead to clogged pores in the skin, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. When bacteria grow in the clogged pores, it leads to inflammation and the formation of blackheads or pimples.
Several factors can contribute to the development of acne. Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, can increase sebum production. The vast majority of young people experience acne at some point. Hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or the use of certain medications (such as birth control pills) can also play a role. For example, it is not uncommon for women to continue to get acne around their periods well into adulthood. Acne is partly hereditary, so if your parents had a lot of acne problems in their teens, you are more likely to get it too.
Symptoms
Acne symptoms vary in severity. Mild to moderate acne is often characterized by white or black blackheads and red or yellow raised blemishes, while more severe cases can cause painful, boil-like rashes and bumps under the skin that can leave permanent scars. Many acne sufferers also find it distressing and that it can affect their self-image. Today, there is good help available if you are experiencing significant discomfort and feel bad about your acne.
Acne treatment
Treatment is tailored to the severity of your acne and the type of acne you have. Mild acne often goes away on its own and can be treated at home to relieve the symptoms. A good first step is to wash your face with products designed for oily and acne-prone skin. If that doesn't help, there are over-the-counter medications you can try at pharmacies.
If you have moderate acne, there are also prescription medications that you can get if you have not seen any improvement with over-the-counter medications. However, note that in more severe acne, it is appropriate to skip certain steps, such as over-the-counter medications. Since there are several types of acne, it is important to treat your acne properly, especially if you have pimples that become large cysts under the skin. Without treatment, they can cause permanent scars.
Hormonal acne can sometimes be relieved by birth control pills . Talk to a doctor or gynecologist about which birth control method is best for you.
Get prescriptions for acne medications online
If you suffer from acne, you can get quick help here at Recetas Medicas. With us, you can get an assessment from a doctor within 15 minutes and we can also write you a prescription if necessary. Fill out our health form for quick treatment.
Self-care and preventive treatment
It is not possible to completely prevent acne because hormones, your skin type and genetic predisposition all play a role. However, there are several things you can do to reduce your symptoms on your own.
- Cleanse gently: Wash your face once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin. Don't wash more often than that - it can do more harm than good.
- Don't squeeze pimples: Picking and squeezing pimples can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
- Use oil-free products: Avoid greasy and oily creams and products that can clog pores and worsen acne.
- Sunbathe carefully: The sun can actually reduce inflammation in your skin and temporarily relieve your acne. But it's important to sunbathe carefully and not burn. Sweat and greasy sunscreens can also make acne worse, so don't sunbathe for too long. Acne scars can darken in the sun and take longer to fade.
When should you seek medical attention?
If you have very severe acne, large, painful bumps under your skin, or if your symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter medications, you should contact your healthcare provider. In most cases, no testing is needed when you seek treatment for acne. It is often enough for the doctor to examine your skin and ask you questions.
There are different types of treatments for those who have previously had troublesome acne that has caused scars. The treatments are done at skin clinics and you usually have to pay for them yourself. It may take many treatments to see improvement.
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