Acne on forehead and upper lip

Hi there, i am 18 years old and I get acne on my forehead from time to time and also on my upper lip which i cannot stand! Some can get very red. Is there a reason why i get them on my upper lip especially? Also, what treatments are good for them?

thank you

kt x

[loiloi]

Hi. Acne commonly occurs on the face, chest and back where we have sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Androgens (male hormones found in both male and female bodies) stimulate the sebaceous glands which produce oil. If you have high levels of hormones (for example during puberty) or you are particularly sensitive to their effect, your sebaceous glands may produce too much oil. Bacteria on the skin then feeds off this oil, and inflamed acne spots occur.
Acne in the peri-oral area (around the mouth) usually responds well to a course of oral antibiotics called Oxytetracycline. You will have to take these for at least 12 weeks and further courses may be required if your tendency for acne persists. Also ask your doctor for a topical gel such as Differin to reduce the soreness and inflamation (inflammation).
Female acne patients often benefit from switching to a combined or anti-androgen contraceptive pill (Diane35/Dianette or Ortho Tri-Cyclen/Cilest). These pills block the action of androgens and reduce the amount of hormones your body produces. They are commonly prescribed to treat acne, as well as for birth control.
Eloise.