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Jerawat: Types, Causes & What Actually Clears Acne

Jerawat (acne) is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and sometimes deep, painful lumps. It usually affects the face, chest and back, and is often linked to hormone changes such as puberty and periods. Mild acne can often be managed with gentle cleansing and pharmacy treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which usually take at least 4 weeks to work. Deeper or scarring acne, such as jerawat batu, needs a doctor's prescription treatment. This guide explains the types of acne, why spots appear on the chin, forehead or body, what pharmacy and prescription treatments the evidence supports, whether food matters, and when to see a doctor.

Jenis jerawat: types of acne spots

You may have more than one type of spot at the same time. The NHS describes these types:

Type What it looks like Common Malay term
Whiteheads Small skin-coloured bumps Often called jerawat pasir when there are many tiny bumps
Blackheads Black or brown spots, usually flat Komedo hitam
Papules Raised bumps; on brown skin they may look brown or purple rather than red Jerawat merah
Pustules Raised bumps filled with pus Jerawat bernanah
Nodules and cysts Larger lumps under the skin that can join together and be painful Jerawat batu

Acne can leave marks and scars. Flat dark marks after a spot heals are different from true scars such as small holes in the skin; our guide to acne scars vs dark spots explains the difference and how each is treated.

What causes acne?

According to the NHS, acne happens when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can then grow in the blocked follicles and cause inflammation and pus. Acne can be triggered or made worse by:

  • hormone changes, such as during puberty, periods, pregnancy and menopause;
  • conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (now called PMOS) and rosacea;
  • certain medicines;
  • skin and hair products that make your skin greasy.

Scrubbing harder does not help. Acne can also affect your mood and confidence; the NHS notes it can cause anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, so it is worth treating properly.

Acne on the chin, forehead or body

  • Jerawat di dagu (chin and jawline): in adult women this is often linked to hormones; the NHS lists periods among the hormone changes that can trigger acne. Persistent jawline acne together with irregular periods or excess hair can be a sign of PCOS; see our PCOS symptoms guide.
  • Jerawat di dahi (forehead): greasy hair products, oily fringes and heavy make-up can contribute. Choose non-comedogenic products and keep hair products away from the forehead.
  • Jerawat badan (chest and back): the NHS suggests wearing loose, breathable clothing, especially when exercising or sweating. In Malaysia's heat, change out of sweaty clothes promptly.

If you wear a hijab, keeping the fabric and inner cap clean and breathable can help your skin stay comfortable; our hijab skin routine has practical tips.

Daily skincare for acne

The NHS recommends:

  • wash your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser;
  • remove make-up at the end of the day;
  • use skincare and make-up labelled non-comedogenic (will not clog pores);
  • do not pick or squeeze spots, because this can cause scars;
  • do not scrub your skin, as this can irritate it and make acne worse.

Many acne treatments make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so use sunscreen daily. Our guide to sun protection and dark spots explains how to choose one.

Ubat jerawat from the pharmacy

For mild acne, a pharmacist can recommend treatments you put on your skin. The main options are:

  • Benzoyl peroxide. Strongly recommended in the American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD) 2024 acne guideline. According to the NHS, it usually starts to work within 4 weeks; see a pharmacist or doctor if acne gets worse or has not improved after 12 weeks. Start with the lowest strength, use sunscreen because it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, and keep it off clothes and hair because it can bleach fabric.
  • Topical retinoids such as adapalene. Also strongly recommended by the AAD; they help unblock pores and prevent new spots. Availability without prescription varies, so ask your pharmacist.
  • Salicylic acid and azelaic acid. Conditionally recommended by the AAD, so they may help some people.

Pharmacists may also suggest tablets such as zinc or niacinamide. Avoid vitamin A tablets if you are pregnant or could become pregnant, and be cautious with products sold online that promise to clear acne overnight; our guide to checking KKM registration shows how to verify a product.

Prescription acne treatments

If pharmacy products are not enough, a doctor or dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatments. The AAD guideline strongly recommends:

  • topical retinoids (such as tretinoin and adapalene) and topical antibiotics (such as clindamycin), usually combined with benzoyl peroxide;
  • oral doxycycline, combined with skin treatments and used for a limited time;
  • oral isotretinoin for acne that is severe, scarring, causing distress, or not responding to other treatment.

For women, the AAD also conditionally recommends combined oral contraceptive pills and spironolactone, which act on hormones. Large, painful lumps can sometimes be injected with a steroid by a doctor.

Isotretinoin and pregnancy: isotretinoin can seriously harm an unborn baby. The NHS says you must use contraception for at least 1 month before, during, and for at least 1 month after treatment if there is any chance you could get pregnant.

Does food cause acne?

Diet is not the main cause of acne, but it may play a role for some people:

  • Dairy: a meta-analysis of 14 observational studies (78,529 young people) found that dairy, especially milk, was linked to slightly higher odds of acne. The authors noted bias and differences between studies, so this does not prove dairy causes acne.
  • High-glycaemic foods: in a 12-week trial of 43 young men, a low-glycaemic-load diet (more protein, fewer refined carbohydrates) reduced acne spots more than a high-carbohydrate diet, alongside weight loss.

If you notice certain foods seem to trigger your spots, it is reasonable to cut back, but keep your diet balanced and do not rely on diet alone to treat acne.

When to see a doctor

According to the NHS, see a doctor if:

  • you have tried treating acne yourself but it is not getting better;
  • you have lots of spots, or the spots are deep, painful or causing scars (such as jerawat batu);
  • you have signs of a skin infection, such as hot, swollen and red skin (redness can be harder to see on brown skin);
  • acne is affecting your mental health.

Getting deeper spots treated early can help reduce the risk of permanent scarring.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What causes jerawat (acne)?

Acne happens when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells, and bacteria grow in them, causing inflammation and pus. It can be triggered by hormone changes (puberty, periods, pregnancy, menopause), conditions such as PCOS, some medicines, and greasy skin or hair products.

What is jerawat batu?

Jerawat batu usually refers to nodules or cysts: large, deep, often painful lumps under the skin. They are a more severe form of acne that can leave scars, so they are best treated by a doctor rather than with over-the-counter products alone.

What is the best ubat jerawat at the pharmacy?

For mild acne, the NHS suggests treatments you put on your skin such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. The American Academy of Dermatology strongly recommends benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids. Benzoyl peroxide usually starts to work within 4 weeks; see a doctor if acne does not improve after 12 weeks.

Why do I get pimples on my chin (jerawat di dagu)?

In adult women, acne on the chin and jawline is often linked to hormone changes, such as around periods. Conditions like PCOS can also cause acne. If chin acne comes with irregular periods or excess hair, see a doctor.

Does food cause acne?

Diet may play a role for some people, but it is not the main cause. Observational studies link dairy, especially milk, with slightly higher odds of acne, and a small trial found a low-glycaemic-load diet reduced acne spots. The evidence is still limited.

Should I squeeze pimples?

No. The NHS advises not to pick or squeeze spots, because it can cause scars. Scrubbing your skin can also irritate it and make acne worse.

When should I see a doctor about acne?

See a doctor if self-care is not working, if you have many spots or deep, painful lumps, if acne is causing scars, if there are signs of skin infection, or if acne is affecting your mental health. Prescription treatments are stronger and can be very effective.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References

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