Acne

Acne typically appears on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders, which are the areas of the skin with the largest number of functional oil glands. The face is the main place to see acne symptoms.

Whiteheads: These are created when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil secretions and dead skin.

Blackheads: These are similar to whiteheads, but are open to the skin surface and darken.

Pimples: These are raised, reddish spots that signal inflammation or infection in the hair follicles.

Cysts: These are thick lumps beneath the surface of the skin, which are formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.

The appearances of skin lesions occur wherever there is numerous oil or sweat glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back. The typical acne lesions include comedones (whitehead, blackhead), papules (reddened, no pus), pustules (reddened, pus), nodules, and inflammatory cysts. These are the more inflamed form of pus-filled or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. Non-inflamed sebaceous cysts (also called epidermoid cysts) occur either in association with acne or alone but are not a constant feature. After resolution of acne lesions, prominent unsightly scars may remain.

Scarring of the skin may occur if acne is not controlled or treated.

Social complications and problems due to acne include social withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, reduced self-confidence, poor body image, embarrassment, feelings of depression, anger, preoccupation, frustration, and higher rate of unemployment.

Medications: Some medications that may cause acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to "bulk up"), some anti-seizure medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.

Chronic physical pressure on the skin: Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica.

Chlorinated industrial chemicals: These may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.

Metabolic conditions: Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities may induce acne.

Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty.

Stress.

Overproduction of sebum (oil).

Accumulation of dead skin cells.

Buildup of bacteria in the pores.

Skin irritation or scratching of any sort will activate inflammation. Friction or pressure on the skin caused by items such as telephones or cell phones, helmets, tight collars and backpacks.

Certain medications including anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to "bulk up"), some anti-seizure medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.

Exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds, particularly chlorinated dioxins, may cause severe, long-lasting acne, known as chloracne.