Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by external skin eruptions that are caused by clogged skin pores. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but can cover the trunk, arms and legs.

Acne is caused when sebaceous glands inside the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become clogged, due to emissions that are produced faster than oil and skin cells can evacuate through the follicle. The clog causes the follicle to swell (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug can darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the surface of the follicle to break, the oil, devitalized skin cells, and microbes found normally on the surface of the skin can enter 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 leukocytes defend and die they make an inflamed area that turns red (pimple) which over time becomes an even greater mass of dead cells that can create a pus pocket (white head). If an acne isn't treated properly it can evolve into an acne scar, however, you can prevent scarring by treating acne breakouts early on.

Dried oils can also impact opened pores. Foreign matter or just facial dirt forms what is commonly called a blackhead. Salt from sweat is another contributor to many facial break outs when it dries and blocks pores.

Cysts appear when the infection reaches the deeper layers of the skin. A sebaceous cyst forms when the sebaceous gland continues to secrete oil. Instead of breaking the follicle wall, the follicle keeps growing to create a soft, pliable lump (called a cyst) under the skin. The cyst is commonly not painful or discolored unless it becomes infected.

Teenagers Suffer Acne

Acne is usually seen most in adolescent males , 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 adolescents have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands. Other hormonal fluctuations that happen with menstrual periods, pregnancy, use of anticonceptive pills, or stress, also aggravate acne.

Acne is not simply caused by dirt or build-up, but dirt and oil may worsen the condition. Other factors that elevate the chances of acne are stress, endocrine disorders, certain tumors, exposure to weather extremes, hormonal changes, oily skin, and the use of certain drugs (such as cortisone, testosterone, estrogen, 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 flare up from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except for untreated, grievous infection. Scars can occur if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.