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What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the oil-secreting glands and hair follicles in the skin get clogged and cause bacteria to grow in the pores. You can get blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples as a result. Acne may also be related to high testosterone levels in both males and females. Acne blemishes are more likely to be found on the face and neck, but can appear on other areas like the back, chest, and upper arms.

You can help prevent pimples from forming by keeping your face clean and keeping your hands away from your face. Gently wash the affected area two to three times a day, using any good soap or >cleanser.

In many cases, you can treat mild acne with over-the-counter creams or lotions containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Some people use herbal or dietary products like tea tree oil, arnica, or zinc. If over-the-counter or herbal products are not effective, your doctor may recommend a prescription medicine that can be applied to the skin or taken by mouth.

If your blemishes are deep, painful, and swollen, or you have more than 10 blemishes on one side of your face, you should see a doctor for treatment. People past age 25 who have acne may also need a doctor's care for acne.

Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
Leyden James. "Therapy for Acne Vulgaris", The New England Journal of Medicine 336 (1997).
Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996.

This answer prepared 11/3/00.