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Acne
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/acne.html

Acne

Also called: Pimples, Zits
On this page

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  • Start Here
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For You

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Summary

Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.

No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years and pregnancy, probably play a role. There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn't cause acne, but stress can make it worse.

If you have acne:

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

Treatments for acne include medicines and creams.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Start Here

  • Acne (American Academy of Family Physicians)
  • Acne (Acne Vulgaris) (VisualDX)
  • What Can I Do About Acne? (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
  • What Is Acne? From the National Institutes of Health Easy-to-Read (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) Also in Spanish

Treatments and Therapies

  • Laser Acne Treatment (VisualDX)
  • Nonprescription Acne Treatment: Which Products Work Best? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish

Living With

  • Acne: Tips for Managing Video (American Academy of Dermatology)

Related Issues

  • Acne Scars: Overview (American Academy of Dermatology)

Images

  • Acne Excoriée (VisualDX)
  • Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (VisualDX)

Clinical Trials

  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Acne Vulgaris From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

  • Article: Development of a γ-Cyclodextrin-Based Cryogel Loaded with Trimethoprim for Acne Treatment:...
  • Article: Efficacy of oral isotretinoin monotherapy compared to combination isotretinoin and topical clascoterone...
  • Article: Evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of combinations of Garcinia mangostana, Curcuma...
  • Acne -- see more articles

Find an Expert

  • Find a Dermatologist (American Academy of Dermatology)
  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases From the National Institutes of Health Also in Spanish

Children

  • Acne (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
  • Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne) (VisualDX)

Teenagers

  • Acne (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
  • Can Acne Scars Be Removed? (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
  • Teen Acne: How to Treat and Prevent This Common Skin Condition (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish

Women

  • Acne (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health) Also in Spanish
  • Isotretinoin and Other Retinoids during Pregnancy Video (March of Dimes Foundation) Also in Spanish
  • Pregnancy Acne: What's the Best Treatment? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
  • Topical Acne Treatments and Pregnancy (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) Also in Spanish

Patient Handouts

  • Acne (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Acne - self-care (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

Topic Image

Acne

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

  • Acne
  • Acne - self-care

Related Health Topics

  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
  • Rosacea

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Acne is the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Other Languages

Find health information in languages other than English on Acne

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