Acne Also called: Pimples, Zits 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 National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Array Acne Acne — self-care Women Acne Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Isotretinoin (Accutane) and Pregnancy Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Pregnancy Acne: What’s the Best Treatment? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Topical Acne Treatments and Pregnancy Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Start Here Acne American Academy of Family Physicians Acne American Academy of Dermatology Acne National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Acne (Acne Vulgaris) Logical Images Understanding Acne: How to Banish Breakouts National Institutes of Health What Is Acne? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Teenagers Acne Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Can Acne Scars Be Removed? Nemours Foundation Teens and Acne Treatment American Academy of Pediatrics Why Did My Doctor Prescribe Birth Control Pills for My Acne? Nemours Foundation Why Do I Get Acne? Nemours Foundation Children Acne Nemours Foundation Acne Myths Nemours Foundation Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne) Logical Images Statistics and Research Acne Facts and Stats American Academy of Dermatology Could Probiotics Be the Next Big Thing in Acne and Rosacea Treatments? American Academy of Dermatology Images Acne Excoriée Logical Images Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Logical Images Related Issues Acne Scars American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Treatments and Therapies Acne: Treatment American Academy of Family Physicians Laser Acne Treatment Logical Images Natural Acne Treatment: What’s Most Effective? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Over-the-Counter Acne Products: What Works and Why Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Find an Expert American Academy of Dermatology American Academy of Dermatology Find a Dermatologist American Academy of Dermatology National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Prevention and Risk Factors Can I Prevent Acne? Nemours Foundation Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Acne Vulgaris National Institutes of Health Journal Articles Acne
