Acne - Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic

What Is Acne?

Acne, a common yet often misunderstood skin condition, affects individuals of all ages and skin types. This inflammatory condition occurs when lining of our pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. The accumulation of oil produced by our sebaceous glands also results in proliferation of acne bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), which promotes more inflammation.

Symptoms Of Acne

Symptoms range from mild to severe and can manifest as:

Blackheads: Small, dark spots that occur when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, leaving the pores open and exposed to air, which causes the oil to oxidise and turn black.
Whiteheads: Similar to blackheads, whiteheads form when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, but in this case, the pore remains closed, creating a small, white bump.
Papules: Small, red, and inflamed bumps on the skin that occur when bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells cause inflammation within hair follicles.
Pustules: Pus-filled, inflamed bumps that can be red or yellow, and develop when inflammation and infection progress within hair follicles.
Nodules: Large, painful, and solid lumps that form deep within the skin when inflammation and infection extend into the deeper layers of the dermis.
Cysts: Large, pus-filled, and painful lesions that develop deep within the skin, similar to nodules, but often result from more severe infection and inflammation.

Diagnosing Acne

Diagnosing acne involves a thorough examination of the affected skin by a dermatologist, who will assess the severity and type of acne to determine the most suitable course of treatment.

Treatment Options

The primary aim of treatment is to clear the acne and prevent scar formation. Multiple treatment options are available, and the treatment option(s) of choice depends on the type and severity of the condition. It is also important to inform your dermatologist if you are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant as some of these medications are not to be taken in pregnancy.

Treatment options are generally divided into the following:

Topical treatment
Oral antibiotics
Oral contraceptive pills
Oral isotretinoin
Others: adjunctive therapies such as light and laser therapy, steroid injections may be offered from time to time depending on the disease severity and condition.

Types Of Acne

Characterised by the presence of blackheads and whiteheads, comedonal acne results from clogged hair follicles and oil glands.

Manifests as red, swollen lesions, inflammatory acne occurs when bacteria invade clogged hair follicles, leading to inflammation.

Featuring deep, painful cysts and nodules, nodulocystic acne is a severe form of acne that can lead to significant scarring if left untreated.

A rare and severe form of acne, acne fulminans causes systemic symptoms such as fever and joint pain in addition to severe skin inflammation.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for acne include:

Genetics
Hormonal fluctuations (e.g. puberty, pregnancy)
Lifestyle factors (e.g. diet, stress, use of certain skincare products)
Certain medications

Why Choose Us

Modern & Patient-Centred Dermatological Care

We are dedicated to your skin health and well-being. Our results-oriented approach is suitable for a wide range of hair, skin and nail conditions. Consult our MOH-accredited dermatologist for a personalised treatment plan.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Results-Oriented Approach

Focused Aftercare For All

Honest & Ethical Practices

Billing & Insurance

Private and Corporate Insurance

You can use your Integrated Shield Plans to pay for certain procedures. Speak to us to learn more, and you’ll be surprised at how affordable private healthcare can be.

Dr. Lee Hwee Chyen

Medical Director & Consultant Dermatologist

MBBS (S'pore) MRCP (UK) FAMS (Dermatology)

Special Interests In:

Paediatric Dermatology
Women’s Dermatology
Procedural Dermatology & Lasers

Dr. Lee Hwee Chyen is an accredited Adult & Paediatric dermatologist managing a wide range of skin, hair and nail conditions. The clinic provides services for medical, surgical, cosmetic, women’s and paediatric dermatology.