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

Acne appears when sebaceous glands within the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become plugged, due to emissions that are produced faster than oil and skin cells can exit through the follicle. The clog causes the follicle to bulge (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug can darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the surface of the follicle to rupture, the oil, dead skin cells, and microbes found commonly on the surface of the skin can invade the skin and form 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 fight and die they make an inflamed area that becomes red (pimple) which over time turns into an even greater mass of dead cells that can create a pus pocket (white head). If a zit isn't treated properly it can evolve into an acne scar, however, you can avoid scarring by treating acne breakouts early on.

Open pores can also be affected by dried oils. External matter or just facial dirt forms what is commonly known as a black head. Salt from sweat is another cause of 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 produce oil. Instead of rupturing the follicle wall, the follicle continues to enlarge and form 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 boys , but it can appear in both genders and at all ages. The tendency to develop acne is inherited. The condition commonly begins at puberty and can continue for many years. Every 3 out of 4 adolescents have acne to some extent, apparently caused by hormonal changes that activate 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 may worsen the condition. Other factors that elevate the chances of acne are exposure to weather extremes, oily skin, endocrine disorders, stress, certain tumors, hormonal changes, and the use of certain drugs (such as testosterone, cortisone, 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 puberty to adulthood, but ultimately lessens. Acne usually responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but can reappear from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except for untreated, grievous infection. Scars can appear if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.