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Acne is an inflammatory skin ailment characterized by superficial skin eruptions that are caused by clogged skin pores. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but can extend to the trunk, arms and legs.

Acne appears when sebaceous glands inside the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become clogged, due to secretions that are produced faster than oil and skin cells can exit through the follicle. The plug causes the follicle to swell (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug can darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the wall of the follicle to rupture, the oil, devitalized skin cells, and bacteria found normally on the surface of the skin can invade the skin and create small infected areas called pustules (also known as pimples or "zits").

The actual pimple is usually the result of bacteria entering an open skin pore causing the body to react with millions of white cells to destroy the invaders. As the white cells fight and die they make an inflamed area that turns red (pimple) which over time turns into an even greater mass of dead cells that can create a pus pocket (white head). If a pimple isn't treated properly it can evolve into an acne scar, however, you can avoid scarring by treating acne breakouts early on.

Open pores can also be impaired with dried oils. Foreign matter or just facial dirt creates what is commonly called a blackhead. Salt from sweat is another contributor to many facial break outs when it dries and blocks pores.

If these infected areas are deep in the skin, they may enlarge to form cysts. A sebaceous cyst appears when the sebaceous gland continues to produce oil. Instead of breaking the follicle wall, the follicle continues to enlarge and create a soft, pliable lump (known as a cyst) under the skin. The cyst is commonly not painful or discolored unless it becomes infected.

Adolescent Acne

Acne is most common in adolescent boys , but it can occur in both sexes and at all ages. The tendency to acquire acne is inherited. The condition commonly appears at puberty and can continue for many years. Every 3 out of 4 teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil secreting) skin glands. Other hormonal changes that occur with menstrual periods, pregnancy, use of anticonceptive pills, or stress, also exacerbates acne.

Acne is not simply caused by dirt or build-up, but dirt and oil may worsen the condition. Other factors that increase the chances of acne are hormonal changes, endocrine disorders, exposure to weather extremes, oily skin, certain tumors, stress, and the use of certain drugs (such as cortisone, estrogen, testosterone, and others). Acne is not contagious. A tendency to have acne can persist through ages 30's to early 40's.

Prognosis

Acne is commonly chronic from adolescence to adulthood, but eventually lessens. Acne usually responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but can reappear from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except for untreated, severe infection. Scars can occur if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.

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