Can acne be itchy?

Acne during puberty is very common and is mostly associated with hormonal fluctuations. However, if acne persists for a prolonged period, it not only makes the face oily but also gives an unkempt appearance, negatively affecting overall facial aesthetics. Therefore, in addition to avoiding spicy and irritating foods in your diet, you should also adopt various lifestyle measures to help prevent acne development. So, does acne cause itching?

Does acne cause itching?

Some acne patients may experience itching. This inflammation is primarily triggered by localized infection with opportunistic pathogens—such as Propionibacterium acnes. Generally, following the onset of inflammation, individual variations mean that some people may feel mild itching, while most experience tenderness or pain—or may even remain asymptomatic. When such symptoms occur, anti-inflammatory treatment under medical supervision is typically recommended—for example, topical application of anti-inflammatory ointments, clindamycin gel, or adapalene gel.

Itching associated with acne varies depending on individual constitution. Redness in acne lesions often results from inflammatory processes and usually requires combined oral anti-inflammatory medications and topical treatments prescribed by a physician to facilitate recovery. Additionally, proper skincare is essential after acne develops: avoid all irritating foods and refrain from using inappropriate or unproven skincare products. If itching occurs, gently wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cotton towel.

We recommend maintaining healthy lifestyle habits—including quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, adhering to regular sleep schedules (going to bed early and rising early)—to support both physical and mental well-being. Minimize intake of spicy, “heat-inducing,” and greasy foods, and instead increase consumption of vegetables and fruits. We hope this information proves helpful to you.