A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Acne:  Acne is a common skin disease. Its characteristics are scaly red skin, blackheads and whiteheads, pinheads, pimples and possibly scarring. Acne affects mainly the face, the upper part of the chest and the back. Acne occurs mostly in adolescence and often continues into adulthood. In adolescence acne is usually caused by an increase in testosterone which accrues during puberty regardless of whether you are male or female.

For most people acne diminishes over time or tends to disappear when people reach age 25. There is no way to predict how long it will take to disappear completely. Some people can carry this condition well into their thirties, forties, and beyond. Acne usually affects adolescents as this is the time when people tend to be most insecure. Early treatment is necessary to lessen long term damage to the skin.

See your doctor if you cannot control your acne and it is causing you distress and making you feel unhappy. Also see your doctor if you develop nodules or cysts, as they will need to be treated properly to avoid scarring.

ZITS  
Acne Resource Organisations

 Acne.org - Acne Community & Acne Treatment Store
https://www.acne.org/
Acne - British Skin Foundation
http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk
 Acne | American Skin Association
http://www.americanskin.org/resource/acne.php