Yes, a 70-year-old can absolutely get acne. While acne is often perceived as a condition primarily affecting adolescents, it can and does occur in mature individuals, including those in their seventies.
Understanding Acne in Mature Individuals
Although acne is not usually considered to be a disorder that affects the elderly, the disorder occurs sufficiently often in mature individuals to be noteworthy. This highlights that while it might not be the most commonly discussed demographic for acne, its presence in older adults is recognized and significant within dermatology.
A specific type of acne relevant to older adults is known as 'persisting acne'. As its name suggests, this refers to ordinary acne that originated earlier in life—perhaps during adolescence—and simply continues into adult life. This means that for some individuals, acne is not a transient phase but a chronic condition that can persist into advanced age, such as 70 years old.
Key Aspects of Acne in Older Adults
Based on the understanding of persisting acne, here are some key aspects regarding its occurrence in mature individuals:
- Continuity: Acne that began in younger years can persist, meaning it doesn't always clear up entirely by adulthood.
- Noteworthy Occurrence: Despite being less common than in younger populations, acne's presence in the elderly is significant enough to be recognized by medical professionals.
- Form of Acne: The type often seen is "ordinary acne," indicating it shares characteristics with acne experienced by younger individuals, but its duration sets it apart.
Summary of Acne in Mature Adults
To further clarify, here’s a summary based on the provided information:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical Perception | Acne is generally not considered a disorder that affects the elderly. |
| Actual Occurrence | It occurs "sufficiently often in mature individuals to be noteworthy," indicating its presence is significant. |
| Primary Type | A common form is 'persisting acne,' which is ordinary acne that has continued from earlier life into adulthood. |
This underscores that age does not necessarily grant immunity from acne; for some, it is a lifelong dermatological consideration.
