MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
December 25, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary Pet Health
Font Size
A
A
A


Acne
(Pimples)

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

Viewer Comments

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."


Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment.
See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.
Doctor to Patient

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.



Next: What causes acne? »

Acne (Pimples) - Length Symptoms Lasted

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

How long did the symptoms of your acne (pimples) last?

Comment submissions for this question have ended. Patient Discussions FAQs
See 23 Viewer Comments

View Comments


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
  • Photodynamic Therapy - Read about photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses a photosensitizing agent and light source to treat cancers (skin, lung, esophageal, Barrett's esophagus), acne and rosacea.
  • Boils - Learn about boils (skin abscess), localized infections deep within the skin that begins as a reddened, sore area. Eventually, the area hardens and fills with pus. Boils may be caused by ingrown hairs, clogged sweat glands, or foreign material that becomes imbedded in the skin. Treatment typically involves heat application, draining the boil, and antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infection.

Latest Medical News


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


Are you depressed? Find Out Now

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



Acne (Pimples)

What is puberty?

Puberty is the time at which a growing boy or girl begins the process of sexual maturation. Puberty involves a series of physical stages or steps that lead to the achievement of fertility and the development of the so-called secondary sex characteristics, the physical features associated with adult males and females (such as the growth of pubic hair). While puberty involves a series of biological, or physical, transformations, the process can also have an effect on the psychosocial and emotional development of the adolescent.

When does puberty occur?

The onset of puberty varies among individuals. Puberty usually occurs in girls between the ages of 10 and 14, while in boys it generally occurs later, between the ages of 12 and 16. In some African American girls, puberty begins earlier, at about age 9, meaning that puberty occurs from ages 9 to 14.

Adolescent girls reach puberty today at earlier ages...

Read the Puberty article »











Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Image Collection | Medical Dictionary | Pet Health

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Blood Pressure | Cancer | Chronic Pain | Cold & Flu | Diabetes | Digestion | Eyesight | Health & Living | Healthy Kids

Hearing & Ear | Heart | Infectious Disease | Men's Health | Mental Health | News & Views | Pregnancy | Sexual Health | Skin | Women's Health | More...

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.