What causes spots?

A spot forms when the oil gland at the base of a hair becomes blocked and inflamed. Four things play a part together in this process:

• The oil gland making too much oil.
• The pore becoming blocked with dead cells.
• Bacteria multiplying in the blocked pore.
• The inflammation that develops in response.

Hormones stimulate the oil glands more than anything else. This is why spots increase in puberty and flare up before a period in women. If an adult woman’s spots come with irregular periods or increased hair growth, a hormone assessment may be needed.

Some medicines and supplements can also cause spots. Cortisone medicines and high-dose vitamin B12 are examples. Heavy cosmetics that block pores can also make the picture worse.

The effect of diet differs from person to person. In some people a link is seen with sugary foods and dairy products. Banning a single food completely often does not give the result you expect.

The type and spread of the spots decide the approach. For spots that leave marks or last for months, an assessment is needed instead of waiting.