Acne
Your skin has tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this occurs, you may develop a pimple, sometimes also called a zit or blemish.
If you get pimples often, especially several at once repeatedly, you may have acne. In other words, acne is the skin condition that causes pimples.
Acne is very common. In fact, research estimates that 9.4 percent Trusted Source of people worldwide have acne. In the United States, acne is the most common skin condition, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
While acne doesn’t pose a serious risk to your overall health, it can still be painful, particularly if you have severe acne. Over time, acne might also cause scarring.
There’s no denying that acne can contribute to emotional distress. Acne and acne scars on your face and other visible body locations can affect self-esteem and self-confidence, and they can even contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression Trusted Source.
Common condition.
Keep in mind, too, that acne is very treatable. A number of effective treatments exist, so you have options for reducing the number of pimples you get and minimizing your chances of scarring
Source.
If you live with acne, know that it’s a common condition.
Keep in mind, too, that acne is very treatable. A number of effective treatments exist, so you have options for reducing the number of pimples you get and minimizing your chances of scarring.
What are the different types of acne?
If you have acne, you might notice a mix of pimple types.
Whiteheads and blackheads, both also referred to as comedones, are the most common acne lesions.
Blackheads, or open comedones, open at the surface of your skin. Oxygen in the air (not dirt) gives the top of these pimples their darker appearance.
Whiteheads, or closed comedones, form as raised bumps under the surface of your skin. They remain flesh-colored.
Inflammatory lesions, which are more likely to cause scarring of your skin, include:
Pa pules. These small, red, raised bumps are caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
Pustules. These small red pimples have pus at their tips.
Nodules. These solid, often painful lumps develop beneath the surface of your skin.
Cysts. These large lumps beneath your skin contain pus and are usually painful.
What are the symptoms of acne?
Acne can be found almost anywhere on your body, but you’ll most commonly notice breakouts on your:
* face and neck
* back
* shoulders
* chest
Pimples can give your skin a rough, uneven texture.
With acne, you might also experience:
skin discoloration, including dark patches or spots (hyperpigmentation) and redness
swelling and inflammation
pain and tenderness when touched or not
Acne breakouts can also cause scarring or discoloration on your skin.
Popping pimples can raise your chances of scarring, so avoid squeezing — no matter how tempting it feels to get rid of the pimple immediately — and try these tips.
SKIN CARE
* Your Skin
* Science
* Ingredients
* Routine
* Acne
* Conditions
* Procedures
* Products
* Sun Protection
* Natural
* Hair & Nails
Everything You Want to Know About Acne
Medically reviewed by Bulky Aremu, APRN — By Darla Burke and Steph Coelho — Updated on February 23, 2022
Types of acne
* Acne symptoms
* Causes
* Risk factors
* Diagnosis
* Treatment
* Outlook
* Prevention
* Takeaway
What is acne?
Your skin has tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this occurs, you may develop a pimple, sometimes also called a zit or blemish.
If you get pimples often, especially several at once repeatedly, you may have acne. In other words, acne is the skin condition that causes pimples.
Acne is very common. In fact, research estimates that 9.4 percent Trusted Source of people worldwide have acne. In the United States, acne is the most common skin condition, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
While acne doesn’t pose a serious risk to your overall health, it can still be painful, particularly if you have severe acne. Over time, acne might also cause scarring.
There’s no denying that acne can contribute to emotional distress. Acne and acne scars on your face and other visible body locations can affect self-esteem and self-confidence, and they can even contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression Trusted Source.
If you live with acne, know that it’s a common condition.
Keep in mind, too, that acne is very treatable.
You must be logged in to post a comment.