Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that produces pimples on the face and upper torso.  It is caused by the interaction between hormones, skin oils and bacteria that result to the inflammation of hair follicles.  A pimple grows when the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, blocking the oily substance known as sebum from leaving through the pores. 

This condition does not exclude anyone by reason of race, age or racial position.  While most common in teenagers and young adults, people in their forties and fifties still get acne.  It mostly occurs on the face, upper chest, shoulders and back and is often characterized by pimples, cysts and abscesses.  Acne is not considered a serious health threat but may affect the confidence of an individual in his/her appearance due to the unsightly inflammation and the scars it leaves.

The exact cause of acne is unknown although there are certain factors that are believed to cause it.  The most often mentioned are conditions that involve hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, menstrual periods and starting or stopping the use of birth control pills.  The use of certain drugs particularly corticosteroids and anabolic steroids can also cause acne as they stimulate the sebaceous glands.  Certain types of cosmetics may worsen the condition if they clog the pores.  Heredity also appears to play a role in the development of acne.