
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.
Effective treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up. Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of problems.
Watch: Take action against acne
If self-care remedies don't clear your acne, see your health care provider. He or she can prescribe stronger medications. If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a dermatologist.
For many women, acne can persist for decades, with flares common a week before menstruation. This type of acne tends to clear up without treatment in women who use contraceptives.
In older adults, a sudden onset of severe acne may signal an underlying disease requiring medical attention.
The Food and Drug Administration warns that some popular nonprescription acne lotions, cleansers and other skin products can cause a serious reaction. This type of reaction is quite rare, so don't confuse it with the redness, irritation or itchiness where you've applied medications or products.
Portions of this article are written by Dr. Brent Bauer and Mayo Clinic staff. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.
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Over-the-counter acne products: What works and why
Diagnosis and treatment
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Understanding adult acne
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