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Summary
Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.
No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years and pregnancy, probably play a role. There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn't cause acne, but stress can make it worse.
If you have acne:
- Clean your skin gently
- Try not to touch your skin
- Avoid the sun
Treatments for acne include medicines and creams.
NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Treatments and Therapies
- Nonprescription Acne Treatment: Which Products Work Best? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Images
- Acne Excoriée (VisualDX)
- Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (VisualDX)
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Acne Vulgaris (National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Find an Expert
- Find a Dermatologist (American Academy of Dermatology)
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Also in Spanish
Children
- Acne (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne) (VisualDX)
Teenagers
- Acne (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)
- Can Acne Scars Be Removed? (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Teen Acne: How to Treat and Prevent This Common Skin Condition (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
- Why Do I Get Acne? (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Women
- Acne (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)
- Pregnancy Acne: What's the Best Treatment? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Topical Acne Treatments and Pregnancy (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- Acne (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Acne - self-care (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish