What Is Teen Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes blemishes on the face, back, chest, or upper arms. Having acne can be very upsetting. You may feel less attractive. And it may seem as though your skin will never clear up. In time, your acne may go away by itself. But treatment can help to control your acne now. Read on to learn more.

How You Get Acne

Acne begins inside the hair follicles under the surface of your skin. Oil glands that open into the hair follicles release too much oil (sebum), often due to hormonal changes. Sebum and skin cells then clog the pores (tiny openings on your skin). Bacteria can then get trapped in the follicles, leading to swelling and acne blemishes.

Types of Acne

The four main types of acne blemishes are described below.

• Whiteheads are round, white blemishes that form when hair follicles become clogged.

• Blackheads are round, dark blemishes that form when whiteheads reach the skin’s surface and touch air.

• Pimples are red, swollen bumps that form when plugged follicle walls break near the skin’s surface.

• Deep cysts are pus-filled pimples. They form when plugged follicle walls break deep within the skin. Acne cysts are often large and painful. In some cases, they also cause scars.

What Your Doctor Can Do

Some teens see a doctor for their acne because they are upset by the way their skin looks or have a family history of acne. Ask your doctor about the best way to control your acne. Treatment helps prevent blemishes from forming. If no new blemishes form, no new scarring can occur. Treatment may include:

• Medications taken by mouth (orally)

• Medications applied to the skin (topical)

• Physical removal of blemishes

• Injections

• Surgical removal of acne scars

Make sure you understand your treatment plan. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. You will play an important role in controlling your acne.