Acne

Acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples; Zits

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits." Whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts) may develop.

Acne

You can call them blackheads, pimples or zits, but by any name, acne can really ruin your day. Waking up to find a giant pimple in the middle of your forehead or chin, especially if it's picture day at school, or you have a big date, can be a real bummer. So, what causes acne? All over your skin you've got tiny little holes called pores. These holes are openings to your hair follicles. Each hole also contains an oil gland. The oil helps keep your skin lubricated and removes dead skin cells. Sometimes your oil glands work overtime, producing too much of the slimy stuff. The extra oil can fill up and block your pores, causing a backup of dirt, bacteria, and cells. At the top of the blockage sits a plug. If the top of the plug is white, you've got a whitehead, the type of pimple many of us are so tempted to pop. If the top of the plug is dark, you've got a blackhead. If the plug bursts open, you'll have a swollen red bump. The most common place to find acne is on your face. But you can also get breakouts on your shoulders, arms, legs, back, and buttocks. Although acne is known as a teenage affliction, you can get pimples at any age, especially if you sweat a lot, use greasy cosmetics, or eat a high-sugar diet. Hormones can also trigger acne outbreaks. Women who are just starting their period may notice more pimples than usual. You may also discover a few pimples on the day of a big test or presentation, because stress can lead to breakouts. So, you may ask, how do you get rid of acne? First, here's something you should never do when you've got acne. Don't squeeze or pick at the bumps. In fact, try not to touch your face at all. You'll just make the acne worse, and you could even leave permanent scars. To treat acne, the first step is gently cleaning your face twice a day with a pH balanced cleanser, such as Cetaphil or Dove. Use warm (not hot) water, and pat dry. Aggressive scrubbing may make acne worse. Many people benefit from adding an over-the-counter acne medicine that contains ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. These creams dry up the extra oil in your skin and kill bacteria. They may make your skin a little red or cause it to peel at first, but they work pretty well at clearing up breakouts. If over-the-counter treatments don't work, see your doctor or a dermatologist. Prescription creams or gels are stronger and may be more effective at clearing up stubborn acne. Many will prescribe antibiotics such as tetracycline, erythromycin, or doxycycline. You can either take these by mouth, or rub them on your skin. Another option is to have a laser treatment or skin peel. Talk to your doctor about these treatments if medicines haven't cleared up your acne. Acne is a rite of passage for teenagers, but pimples can plague people well into their 30s or 40s. You don't have to live with acne, because there are several very effective treatments for it. See your doctor or a dermatologist to discuss your options. Also make an appointment if your acne is getting worse even with treatment, or you've got scarring where your acne used to be.

Hair follicle sebaceous gland

Each pore on the surface of the skin is an opening to a canal called a follicle. The follicle also contains a hair and an oil gland (sebaceous gland). The oil gland helps remove old skin cells, keeps the skin lubricated, and prevents drying of tissues.

Baby acne

Baby acne is usually seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. It can be present at birth but usually develops around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Baby acne occurs when hormonal changes in the body stimulate oil glands in the babys skin. The condition can look worse when the baby is crying or fussy, or any other instance that increases blood flow to the skin. Baby acne is harmless and usually resolves on its own within several weeks.

Adult facial acne
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

Acne lesions frequently contain pus. This close-up photograph shows small acne pustules with surrounding inflammation (erythema).

Blackheads (comedones)

Blackheads, or open comedones, are common in acne. Clogged hair follicles reflect light irregularly to produce this black hue.

Acne - cystic on the chest

Cystic acne may occur across the upper chest as well as on the back.

Acne - cystic on the face

The face is the most common location of acne. Here, there are 4 to 6 millimeter red (erythematous) pustules, some with bridging scars and fistulous tract formation (connecting passages). Severe acne may have a profound psychological impact and may cause scarring. Effective treatments are available for this type of acne.

Acne - vulgaris on the back

Acne frequently occurs on the back. Here, there are 2 to 6 millimeter wide erythematous (red) pustules with large open and closed comedones. Permanent scarring may follow a severe case of acne. Men are more often affected on their shoulders and back than are women.

Acne on the back

Acne affects the areas of the skin that contain sebaceous glands, including the face, upper chest, and back. Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence. Many new treatment regimens are available for acne, especially for the most severe types.

Acne

Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red lesions to form. These growths are commonly called pimples or zits. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent.

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

When to Contact a Medical Professional