Acne is an inflammatory skin ailment characterized by external skin eruptions that are caused by plugged skin pores. Acne commonly develops on the face and shoulders, but may cover the trunk, arms and legs.

Acne appears when sebaceous glands within the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become plugged, due to secretions that occur faster than oil and skin cells can exit through the follicle. The clog causes the follicle to swell (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug may darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the wall of the follicle to break, the oil, devitalized 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 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 avoid scarring by treating acne breakouts early on.

Dried oils can also affect opened pores. External debris or just facial dirt forms what is commonly called a black head. 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 appears when the sebaceous gland continues to secrete oil. Instead of rupturing the follicle wall, the follicle keeps growing to create a soft, pliable lump (known as a cyst) under the skin. The cyst is usually not painful or discolored unless it becomes infected.

Adolescent 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 usually appears at puberty and may continue for many years. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, apparently caused by hormonal changes that activate 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 aggravate the condition. Other factors that increase the chances of acne are exposure to weather extremes, endocrine disorders, oily skin, certain tumors, stress, hormonal changes, and the use of certain drugs (such as cortisone, estrogen, testosterone, and others). Acne is not contagious. A tendency to have acne may persist through ages 30's to early 40's.

Prognosis

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