Acne: Causes, Myths and Care

Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples, which form when hair follicles under the skin clog. Most appear on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders.

• Who: anyone, but it's common in teenagers and young adults.
• Serious? No — but it can leave scars.

Causes

No one knows exactly. Hormone changes, such as during the teen years and pregnancy, probably play a role.

Myths

• Chocolate and greasy foods: often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods affect acne much for most people.
• Dirty skin: blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt.
• Stress: doesn't cause acne, but can make it worse.

If you have acne

• Clean your skin gently.
• Try not to touch your skin.
• Avoid the sun.

Treatments include medicines and creams.

Sources

Based on "Acne," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; a work of the United States government in the public domain.