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Acne

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Acne

(Pimples; Blackheads; Whiteheads; Acne Vulgaris)

Definition

Acne is a common condition where small bumps form on the skin. The bumps are called blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and cysts. They are most common on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Causes

Acne is caused when pores in the skin are clogged with oil (called sebum) and dead skin cells.

Pimple.

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Blackheads are clogs that reach the skin's surface. Whiteheads are clogs that stay beneath the surface of the skin.

Bacteria can also become trapped in pores and cause an infection. This may cause small red bumps, pimples, and cysts.

Risk Factors

Acne is most common in teenagers. Adults and children can have it too. Things that may raise the risk are:

  • Changes in hormone levels due to:
  • Emotional stress
  • Certain skin products
  • Sweating
  • Drugs such as:
    • Anabolic steroids
    • Drugs to treat epilepsy
    • Lithium
    • EGRF inhibitors to treat cancer
  • Family history

Symptoms

Acne symptoms vary from person to person. They can range from mild to severe. A person may have:

  • Excess oil in the skin
  • Blackheads—small black dots
  • Whiteheads—small, white, raised bumps
  • Papules—small, pink bumps that may be tender
  • Pimples—inflamed, pus-filled bumps that may have a red base
  • Nodules—large, painful, solid lumps deep in the skin
  • Cysts—deep, inflamed, pus-filled lumps that can cause pain and scarring

Diagnosis

The doctor can make a diagnosis based on a physical exam. People with severe acne may need to see a skin doctor.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to reduce the acne and treat any infection. A combination of treatments works best. Options are:

Prevention

It can be hard to prevent acne. For some, reducing emotional stress may help.

Medications

Acne may be treated with:

  • Medicines to reduce oil and bacteria in pores, such as
    • Over the counter cleansers, creams, lotions, and gels
    • Prescription antibiotic or retinoid ointments
    • Antibiotic pills
  • Medicines to control certain hormone levels
  • Oral retinoids to reduce the size of oil glands—for severe cystic acne.
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Acne. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acne.
  • Acne. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne.
  • Acne: overview. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/acne.
  • Habeshian, K.A. and Cohen, B.A. Current issues in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Pediatrics, 2020; 145 (Suppl 2): S225-S230.

Contributors

  • Mary-Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.