What is Acne?

Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extend. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20's even into their 40's can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring.

Close to 100% of people between the ages of twelve and seventeen have at least an occasional whitehead, blackhead or pimple, regardless of race or ethnicity. Many of these young people are able to manage their acne with over the counter (nonprescription) treatments. For some, however, acne is more serious. In fact, by their mid-teens, more than 40% of adolescents have acne severe enough to require some treatment by a physician.

In most cases acne starts between the ages of ten and thirteen and usually lasts for five to ten years. It normally goes away on its own sometime in the early twenties. However, acne can persist into the late twenties or thirties or even beyond. Some people get acne for the first time as adults.

Acne affects young men and young women about equally, but there are differences. Young men are more likely than young women to have more severe, longer lasting forms of acne. Despite this fact, young men are less likely than young women to visit a dermatologist for their acne. In contrast, young women are more likely to have intermittent acne due to hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle and acne caused by cosmetics. These kinds of acne may afflict young women well into adulthood.

There is some evidence that a low glycemic diet can improve acne. Avoiding sweets and other simple carbohydrates maybe worthwhile.

Severe acne can affect many facets of a person's life, causing a great deal of embarrassment and stress. Severe acne may significantly limit one's social life and even interfere with opportunities for employment. Since this condition can be disfiguring and require years of treatment, it is important to see a specialist. Dermatologists have the most experience treating the different types of severe acne.

Copyrighted 2010 by Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center, Piedmont, SC, and may not be copied or reproduced without crediting Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center as the original source.