Acne
(Pimples)

Medical Author: Alan Rockoff, MD
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD

• What is acne? What are the different types of acne?
• What causes acne?
• What other skin conditions can mimic acne?
• When should you start to treat acne?
• What can you do about acne on your own?
• What are other things you can do for acne?
• What is a good basic skin regimen for people with acne?
• What can the doctor do for acne?
• How would you sum up current-day treatment of acne?
• Patient Discussions: Acne (Pimples) - Length Symptoms Lasted

Featured patient discussions on coping with acne "I have had bouts of acne breakouts since I was a teenager. Currently, I am experiencing a reoccurrence I believe due to premenopause. Whenever I experience hot flashes, I notice breakouts increase. I haven't found anything over the counter or from the doctor that seems to help, although currently I am trying acupuncture to relieve hot flash symptoms and I am hopeful that will calm my skin down." Read all acne comments » Top Searched Acne Terms: treatments, scars, cystic acne, teens, home remedies, Accutane, minocycline, acne vulgaris, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, stress, sebaceous glands, acne rosacea Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment. See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.

What is acne? What are the different types of acne?

Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is not just a problem for teenagers; it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). On the positive side, those few individuals who have acne into their 40s may well grow out of it. Acne can appear on the skin as any of the following:

• congested pores ("comedones"),



• whiteheads,



• blackheads,



• pimples ("zits"),



• pustules, or



• cysts (deep pimples, boils). The pus in pustules and cysts is sterile and does not actually contain infectious bacteria.

These blemishes occur wherever there are many oil (sebaceous) glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back.

You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore or cosmetic counter that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, you should consult a physician for treatment options.

Acne (Pimples) - Length Symptoms Lasted

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