Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by external skin eruptions that are caused by plugged skin pores. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may 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 plug causes the follicle to bulge (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug may darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the wall of the follicle to rupture, the oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria found commonly on the surface of the skin can enter the skin and form small infected areas named 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 white cells defend 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.

Open pores can also be impaired with dried oils. Foreign matter or just facial dirt creates what is commonly known as a blackhead. Salt from sweat is another cause of many facial break outs when it dries and clogs 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 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 usually not painful or discolored unless it becomes infected.

Acne Breakouts Experienced During Teenage Years

Acne is most common in adolescent males , but it can appear in both genders and at all ages. The tendency to acquire acne is inherited. The condition usually begins at puberty and may continue for many years. Every 3 out of 4 teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil secreting) 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 may worsen the condition. Other factors that elevate the chances of acne are oily skin, stress, certain tumors, hormonal changes, exposure to weather extremes, endocrine disorders, and the use of certain drugs (such as estrogen, cortisone, testosterone, and others). Acne is not contagious. A tendency to develop acne may persist through ages 30's to early 40's.

Prognosis

Acne is usually chronic from puberty to adulthood, but ultimately lessens. Acne usually responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but may reappear from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except for untreated, severe infection. Scars may appear if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.