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Acne is an inflammatory skin ailment characterized by superficial skin eruptions that are caused by clogged skin pores. Acne usually develops on the face and shoulders, but may extend to the trunk, arms and legs.

Acne appears when sebaceous glands within 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 clog causes the follicle to bulge (causing whiteheads), and the top of the plug may darken (causing blackheads). If the plug causes the surface of the follicle to break, the oil, devitalized skin cells, and microbes found normally on the surface of the skin can invade 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 white cells fight and die they cause 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 debris or just facial dirt creates what is usually 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 produce oil. Instead of breaking the follicle wall, the follicle keeps growing to create a soft, pliable lump (called 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 occur in both genders and at all ages. The tendency to acquire acne is inherited. The condition usually appears at puberty and may continue for many years. Three out of four adolescents have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands. Other hormonal fluctuations that occur 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 can aggravate the condition. Other factors that elevate the chances of acne are oily skin, endocrine disorders, exposure to weather extremes, stress, hormonal changes, certain tumors, and the use of certain drugs (such as cortisone, estrogen, 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 adolescence to adulthood, but ultimately lessens. Acne generally responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but may reappear from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except for untreated, grievous infection. Scars may occur if severe acne is not treated; a good acne scars removal treatment is then needed.