Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles under the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It primarily affects the face, back, and chest, resulting in various types of pimples and blemishes.
Overview
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles under the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It primarily affects the face, back, and chest, resulting in various types of pimples and blemishes.
Symptoms
Click any symptom to analyzeCauses
- •excess oil production (sebum)
- •clogged hair follicles
- •bacteria (C
- •acnes)
- •inflammation
Risk factors
- •hormonal changes (puberty or pregnancy)
- •family history of acne
- •certain medications (corticosteroids)
- •high friction or pressure on skin
How it progresses
3 stages- OnsetSymptoms appear, often triggered by a known cause.Often missed
- Active phaseSymptoms peak; self-care or short treatment usually helps.
- ResolutionSymptoms ease over days to weeks with proper care.
How it's diagnosed
- •physical skin examination
- •review of medical history
- •hormonal blood tests (if necessary)
Treatment options
General educational information only — no dosage advice. Always follow guidance from a qualified clinician.
- •topical retinoids
- •benzoyl peroxide
- •salicylic acid
- •oral antibiotics
- •isotretinoin for severe cases
- •gentle face washing twice daily
- •non-comedogenic skincare products
- •avoiding picking or squeezing spots
- •shampooing hair regularly
Complications
- •Skin infection
- •Scarring
- •Chronic itch
- •Recurrence of acne
Prevention
- •Use sunscreen daily
- •Moisturize regularly
- •Avoid known irritants
When to seek help
- •Symptoms persist beyond a few days
- •Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- •New or worsening symptoms appear
- •Concerning changes related to acne
- signs of skin infection (fever, warmth)
- sudden onset of severe cystic acne
- difficulty breathing (if using certain OTC treatments)
- scarring or deep painful nodules
In any emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Real-world questions
- ›Can Acne cause headaches?
- ›Is Acne reversible?
- ›How quickly does Acne progress?
- ›Is Acne hereditary?
- ›Can Acne be prevented?
Compare conditions
Explore related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Possible causes of Acne include excess oil production (sebum), clogged hair follicles, bacteria (C, acnes).
Acne is generally mild, but severity can vary. Seek care if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Duration varies between individuals. Many cases improve with appropriate care, while others may persist longer and require ongoing management.
Some milder cases may improve with rest and self-care. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Consider seeing a clinician if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or if you have any concerns related to general.
Sources
Information based on general medical references such as:
Last reviewed: May 2026