In brief
A common skin condition that causes spots. It is caused by a build-up of dead skin cells and oil, not by a lack of hygiene.
- Acne is not caused by a lack of hygiene, according to healthdirect.
- Food is not a common cause of acne.
- See a doctor if acne is bothering you or has not improved with the treatment your pharmacist recommended.
When to get help
Get help now
- If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero (000) immediately.
See your doctor if
- Your acne is bothering you.
- Your acne is severe.
- It has not improved after the treatment your pharmacist recommended.
Things that can contribute
- Androgen hormones
- Stress
- Family history
- Diet
- Some medicines
- Being overweight
Questions you could ask your GP
- What prescription treatments are suitable for me?
- Could a hormonal condition such as PCOS be involved?
- How can I reduce the risk of scarring?
Based on healthdirect Australia, Acne. You can also check your symptoms with the healthdirect Symptom Checker, or speak with a registered nurse on 1800 022 222.
How it works
Acne most commonly affects people aged 16 to 18. It is more severe in males but more likely to be ongoing in females. Androgen hormones can make the skin produce more oil, and other triggers include stress, family history, diet, some medicines and being overweight.
Untreated acne can leave scars. A pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter treatments, some treatments need a doctor's prescription, and severe acne may need a dermatologist. Acne with irregular periods or excess hair growth can be a sign of PCOS.
Connections
3 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Acne is linked with
- Chronic stress (allostatic load) Supported
Over time, stress may cause acne.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
Acne can be caused by
Acne or oily skin is a symptom of PCOS.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 12 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.