What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples and inflamed patches of skin such as cysts. Types of pimples include blackheads, papules, pustules and whiteheads.

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, known as pores, become clogged. Follicles in the skin contain a hair and an oil gland. When glands produce too much oil, which can occur for a variety of reasons, the pores become clogged, and dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells accumulate. This clogged area is called a plug. Whiteheads occur when the top of the plug is white; blackheads occur when it is black. Swelling and red bumps may occur when the plug breaks open. When the acne is deep and results in hard, painful cysts, it is called cystic acne.

Acne occurs most frequently in teenagers, and inflammations may also occur in adult women during menstruation or pregnancy. Stress, corticosteroid use, androgen therapy use and high levels of humidity and sweating may cause or aggravate acne. Diets high in refined sugars may also be linked to acne. Although it is not strictly genetic, acne may run in families.

Acne most frequently occurs on the face and shoulders, but it may also appear on other parts of the body. It may leave scars.

Treatments for acne include washing with non-drying soap, cleansing with products containing benzoyl peroxide, moisturizing and regular shampooing.

Those with acne are encouraged not to pick or scratch pimples, to avoid wearing tight headbands or hats and avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Makeup should be removed at night, and water-based formulas that do not clog pores are recommended. Sun exposure in small doses may improve acne symptoms, but too much sun exposure is discouraged. Tanned skin from sun exposure does not cure acne, it just hides it. Too much exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk for skin cancer.

Certain antibiotics may also improve acne symptoms, including oral antibiotics and topical antibiotics. A laser procedure called photodynamic therapy may be effective in extreme cases, and dermabrasion may improve scars.

Additional information about acne may be found at these websites:

http://www.acne.com/

http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/acne

http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/skin/acne.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/acne.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169

http://www.acne.org/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001876/