Table of Contents What Is Acne? How Does Acne Develop? What Causes Acne? Who Gets Acne? Methods of Acne Treatment Blackheads, Whiteheads, and Mild      Inflammatory Acne Treatment Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Acne Treatment Severe Nodular or Cystic Acne Treatment Hormonally Influenced Acne Treatment in Women Other Acne Treatments Skin Care and Acne Treatment What Research Is Being Done on Acne? Keeping on top of Your Condition

Acne

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting to people who are affected by the disorder.