Acne

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Acne

Acne vulgaris (acne) is a common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores. Pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads are forms of acne.

Skin glands can produce more oil than the skin needs to stay moist. Too much oil can mix with dead skin cells and can clog pores. This sometimes results in bacterial infection. Acne most often develops on a person's face, neck, chest, shoulders, or back.

Acne is most common in teens and young adults, but it can also affect children. It may begin at any time and persist throughout a person's life. How much acne and where it appears vary from person to person. Some people only have a pimple from time to time, while others may have a lot of pimples most of the time.

Treatment may reduce or stop outbreaks and prevent scarring. Most cases of acne are treated with nonprescription medications at home. Severe acne may require prescription medications.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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