Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

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Acne

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Baby acne
Baby acne
Hair follicle sebaceous gland
Hair follicle sebaceous gland
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions
Blackheads (comedones)
Blackheads (comedones)
Blackheads (comedones) close-up
Blackheads (comedones) close-up
Acne, cystic on the chest
Acne, cystic on the chest
Acne, cystic on the face
Acne, cystic on the face
Acne, vulgaris on the back
Acne, vulgaris on the back
Acne, close-up of cysts on the back
Acne, close-up of cysts on the back
Acne, cystic on the back
Acne, cystic on the back
Acne on the back
Acne on the back
Adult facial acne
Adult facial acne

Alternative Names    Return to top

Acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples; Zits

Definition    Return to top

Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or "zits."

Causes    Return to top

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. 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 is called a plug or comedone.

The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead). If it 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 any age, even as an infant. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil production. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.

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

Exams 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:

Birth control pills can sometimes help clear up acne. (In some cases, though, they may make it worse.)

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.

Outlook (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.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Possible complications include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your doctor or a dermatologist if:

Call your pediatrician if your baby has acne that does not clear up on its own within 3 months.

References    Return to top

Habif TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed.Mosby, Inc; 2004:162-194.

Yan AC. Current concepts in acne management. Adolesc Med Clin. Oct 2006; 17(3): 613-37; abstract x-xi.

Update Date: 4/14/2008

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.