What Is Acne?
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases defines acne as a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. It is the most common skin disease in the Untied States. Teens who are going through puberty tend to get acne and sometimes severe acne.
Definitions of two common types of acne lesions:
- Whitehead - A closed acne lesion.
- Blackhead - An open, non-inflammatory acne lesion.
What Causes Acne?
According to the NIAMS, it is believed that one of the biggest factors that cause acne is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These hormones increase in both boys and girls during puberty.
Other factors are:
- Heredity or genetics;
- taking certain drugs;
- and hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills.
Where can someone get more information and acne treatment advice?
On our site we have articles with parenting tips: Help Your Teen Prevent Acne and Fast Facts about Teen Acne.
NIAMS provides information about various forms of arthritis and rheumatic disease and bone, muscle, joint, and skin diseases. It distributes patient and professional education materials and refers people to other sources of information. Additional information and updates can also be found on the NIAMS Web site.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: 301-495-4484 or 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) (free of charge)
TTY: 301-565-2966
Fax: 301-718-6366
The American Academy of Dermatology can provide referrals to dermatologists. It also publishes a brochure on acne for adults and a fact sheet for young people. These are available on the organization's site or can be obtained by calling or writing to the academy.
American Academy of Dermatology
P.O. Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014
Phone: 847-330-0230 or 888-462-3376 (free of charge)
Fax: 847-330-0050
