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Alternative names Return to top
Acne vulgaris; Comedones; Cystic acne; Pimples; ZitsDefinition Return to top
Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples ("zits").
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The condition occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become plugged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria. The blockage or plug is often called a comedone.
The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead). If the comedone ruptures, the material inside, including oil and bacteria, can spread to the surrounding area and cause an inflammatory reaction. If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.
Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.
Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at an age, even as an infant. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil production. It may persist into a person's 30's and 40's.
Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by:
Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and other foods cause acne, this does not seem to be true.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Your doctor can diagnose acne based on the appearance of the skin. Testing is usually not required.Treatment Return to top
Take the following self-care steps to lessen the effects of acne:
If these steps do not clear up the blemishes to an acceptable level, try over-the-counter acne medications. These creams and lotions are applied directly to the skin. They may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. They work by killing bacteria, drying up the oil, and causing your skin to peel.
If the pimples are still a problem, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications and discuss other options with you.
Prescription medicines include:
Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling, removal of scars by dermabrasion, or removal or drainage of cysts.
A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne. However, excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk of skin cancer.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Acne usually subsides after adolescence, but may last into middle age. The condition generally responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but may flare up from time to time. Scarring may occur if severe acne is not treated. Some people, especially teenagers, can become significantly depressed if acne is not treated.Complications Return to top
Possible complications include:Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your doctor or a dermatologist if:For infant acne, call your pediatrician if it does not clear up on its own in 3 months.
Update Date: 10/10/2003 Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/17/2003).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |