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Acne is an inflammatory skin ailment characterized by external skin eruptions that are caused by plugged skin pores. Acne commonly appears 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 secretions that happen 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, devitalized skin cells, and bacteria found normally on the surface of the skin can enter the skin and create small infected areas called 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 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. Foreign matter or just facial dirt creates what is commonly called a black head. Salt from sweat is another contributor to many facial break outs when it dries and blocks pores.

If these infected areas are deep in the skin, they may enlarge to form cysts. A sebaceous cyst forms when the sebaceous gland continues to produce 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.

Acne Breakouts Experienced During Teenage Years

Acne is most common in adolescent boys , but it can occur in both genders and at all ages. The tendency to acquire acne is inherited. The condition usually appears at puberty and can continue for many years. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, apparently caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands. Other hormonal changes that happen with menstrual periods, pregnancy, use of anticonceptive pills, or stress, also aggravate acne.

Acne is not simply caused by dirt or build-up, but dirt and oil can aggravate the condition. Other factors that increase the chances of acne are certain tumors, stress, endocrine disorders, exposure to weather extremes, hormonal changes, oily skin, and the use of certain drugs (such as testosterone, estrogen, cortisone, and others). Acne is not contagious. A tendency to develop acne can persist through ages 30's to early 40's.

Prognosis

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