What Is Acne?
Acne vulgaris, or simply acne, is a common human skin disease characterized by: areas of seborrhea (scaly red skin); comedones (blackheads and whiteheads); papules (pinheads); nodules (large papules); and pimples. Acne more often affects skin with a large number of oil glands. These areas include the face, the upper part of the chest and the back. Severe acne is inflammatory (redness, swelling), but acne also can manifest in non-inflammatory forms.
Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence and is usually caused by an increase in androgens such as testosterone, which happens during puberty no matter the gender. It affects an estimated 80-90% of teenagers.