Acne is an inflammatory skin ailment characterized by external skin eruptions that are originated by clogged skin pores. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but can extend to the trunk, arms and legs.

Acne appears when sebaceous glands inside the hair follicles (pores) of the skin become clogged, due to emissions that happen faster than oil and skin cells can exit through the follicle. The plug causes the follicle to bulge (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug can darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the wall of the follicle to break, the oil, devitalized skin cells, and microbes found commonly on the surface of the skin can invade the skin and form 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 becomes red (pimple) which over time turns into an even greater mass of dead cells that can form a pus pocket (white head). If a pimple 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 creates 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 appears when the sebaceous gland continues to secrete oil. Instead of rupturing the follicle wall, the follicle keeps growing to form a soft, pliable lump (called a cyst) under the skin. The cyst is commonly not painful or discolored unless it becomes infected.

Adolescent Acne

Acne is usually seen most in adolescent boys , but it can appear in both sexes and at all ages. The tendency to acquire acne is inherited. The condition commonly begins at puberty and can continue for many years. Every 3 out of 4 teenagers have acne to some extent, apparently caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil secreting) skin glands. Other hormonal fluctuations that happen with menstrual periods, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or stress, also exacerbates acne.

Acne is not simply originated by dirt or build-up, but dirt and oil may worsen the condition. Other factors that increase the chances of acne are stress, certain tumors, exposure to weather extremes, endocrine disorders, 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 puberty to adulthood, but eventually lessens. Acne generally responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but can reappear from time to time. Acne is not medically hazardous except for untreated, severe infection. Scars can appear if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.