Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands (commonly called oil glands) located in the middle layer of the skin. In acne, the sebaceous glands are clogged, which leads to pimples and cysts. While a mild case of acne may resolve on its own, more serious cases may need medical assistance to stop outbreaks and prevent long-term scarring.
Acne is a common condition that affects millions of people in the U.S. It most often begins in puberty, when male sex hormones — known as androgens — increase in both boys and girls, causing the sebaceous glands to become more active and produce more sebum, commonly known as oil.
Acne can occur anywhere on the body but most often appears on the face, chest, upper back, shoulders, and neck in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filed cysts, and solid, raised bumps. Depending on the severity of the acne, it can be treated with topical medications, oral medications, or a combination of the two. Oral medications include hormonal therapy, retinoids, and antibiotics.
