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

Acne is caused when sebaceous glands inside the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become clogged, due to secretions that occur faster than oil and skin cells can evacuate 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 break, the oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria found normally on the surface of the skin can invade the skin and create small infected areas named pustules (also known as pimples or "zits").

When the body reacts against this invasion, in an attempt to destroy the intruders, what we know as pimples are formed. As the leukocytes defend and die they cause an inflamed area that turns red (pimple) which over time turns into an even greater mass of dead cells that can form a pus pocket (white head). If an acne isn't treated properly it can evolve into an acne scar, however, you can avoid scarring by treating acne breakouts early on.

Dried oils can also affect opened pores. External matter or just facial dirt creates what is usually called a blackhead. Salt from sweat is another contributor to many facial break outs when it dries and clogs pores.

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

Teenagers Suffer Acne

Acne is most common in adolescent males , but it can occur in both sexes and at all ages. The tendency to acquire acne is inherited. The condition commonly begins at puberty and can continue for many years. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, apparently caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil secreting) skin glands. Other hormonal fluctuations that happen with menstrual periods, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or stress, also aggravate acne.

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

Prognosis

Acne is commonly chronic from puberty to adulthood, but ultimately lessens. Acne generally responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but can flare up from time to time. Acne is not medically hazardous except for untreated, severe infection. Scars can occur if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.