In the US, acne is the most common skin condition, affecting nearly 50 million Americans every year1. This condition usually begins during puberty and can last into early adulthood1. Around 80% of those between ages 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks 2. Although acne is not a dangerous health condition, severe acne may lead to scarring and disfiguring3.
Acne is a condition that affects the oil glands and hair follicles on the skin. When hair follicles are blocked with skin and oil, a lesion (or pimple) is formed2. This happens when the bacteria that normally live on the skin grows in the plugged follicles causing, swelling, pain, redness, and heat4. Pimples are commonly found on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders4.
Acne is most common among teenagers and young adults, but any person regardless of age or race can get acne5.
The exact cause of acne is not known, but there are several factors that maybe contribute to its cause.
Acne mostly occurs on the face but can also be common in places like the neck, shoulders, back and upper chest8.
Acne causes several types of pimples: 9
Your doctor will examine your skin, as other skin conditions may look like acne10. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will determine the type(s) of acne you have and grade the severity (mild acne—grade 1 to severe acne—grade 4) 10.
Acne may be managed with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Treatment may help heal pimples, stop new pimples from forming and prevent scarring11.
1. Skin Conditions By The Numbers. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers. Accessed March 25, 2020.
2. Acne Breakouts. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/07/acne-breakouts. Accessed March 25, 2020.
3. Acne. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/acne. Accessed March 25, 2020.
4. Overview of Acne. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne/advanced. Access March 25, 2020.
5. Who Gets Acne? https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne/advanced#tab-risk. Accessed March 25, 2020.
6. Acne. https://familydoctor.org/condition/acne/?adfree=true. Accessed March 25, 2020.
7. Causes of Acne. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne/advanced#tab-causes. Accessed March 25, 2020.
8. Acne: Signs and Symptoms. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/really-acne/symptoms. Accessed March 25, 2020.
9. Types of Acne. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne/advanced#tab-types. Accessed March 25, 2020.
10. Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne/advanced#tab-types. Accessed March 25, 2020.
11. Treatment for Acne. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne/advanced#tab-treatment. Accessed March 25, 2020.