Acne

• Acne Overview
• Acne Causes
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Acne Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Acne Overview

Acne is a red, irritating skin rash primarily affecting teenagers and young adults. It can, however, occur at all ages. Typical acne appears in the oil-producing areas of the body—namely, the face, chest, and back. Acne can also occur on the neck and upper arms.

Acne can have a short-term, potentially lasting psychological effect. Decreased self-esteem and self-confidence can lead to social withdrawal and even depression. Left untreated, severe acne can lead to disfiguring scarring, which can itself be difficult to treat.

• Several myths exist about acne.
  
  
  • Acne is not a result of uncleanliness or infrequent washing. In other words, acne does not result from too much dirt on the skin or in the pores. Too much scrubbing may actually make acne worse.
  
  
  
  • Acne does not come from eating a lot of so-called bad foods such as chocolate or fried foods. No foods cause acne or make it worse.