Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by external skin eruptions that are caused by plugged skin pores. Acne usually develops 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 plugged, due to emissions that are produced 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 rupture, the oil, devitalized skin cells, and microbes found normally on the surface of the skin can enter 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 turns red (pimple) which over time turns into an even greater mass of dead cells that can form 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.

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

Teen Acne

Acne is usually seen most in adolescent males , but it can occur in both sexes and at all ages. The tendency to develop 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 activate the sebaceous (oil producing) 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 aggravate the condition. Other factors that increase the chances of acne are oily skin, hormonal changes, endocrine disorders, stress, exposure to weather extremes, certain tumors, and the use of certain drugs (such as cortisone, estrogen, testosterone, 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, severe infection. Scars can occur if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.