A common chronic inflammatory skin disorder involving hair follicles and sebaceous glands, characterized by comedones and sometimes inflammatory lesions such as papules, pustules, nodules, or cyst-like lesions.
Acne develops through several interacting processes, including increased sebum production, abnormal shedding of cells within hair follicles, follicular blockage, changes involving Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation.
It most commonly affects the face, chest, shoulders and back. Although particularly common during adolescence, acne can occur at any age.
QUICK FACT
Acne is not simply a problem of “dirty skin.” Excessive washing or scrubbing can irritate the skin and may worsen it.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Acne mechanica: acne-like lesions triggered or aggravated by repeated pressure, friction, heat, or occlusion.
- Folliculitis: inflammation of hair follicles that can have infectious or noninfectious causes and may resemble acne.
SEE ALSO