National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Acne is the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Acne
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/acne.html
Also called: Pimples, Zits
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
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
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Start Here
- Acne (Acne Vulgaris)Acne (Acne Vulgaris) http://www.skinsight.com/adult/acneVulgaris.htm(Logical Images)
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AcneAcne http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/acne/htm/index.htm
(Patient Education Institute)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/tutorials/acnespanish/htm/index.htm
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What Is Acne?What Is Acne? http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Acne/acne_ff.asp
(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.niams.nih.gov/Portal_En_Espanol/Informacion_de_Salud/Acne/default.asp
The top row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Basics
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Learn More
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Multimedia & Cool Tools
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For group Basics
For group Learn More
For group Multimedia & Cool Tools
The bottom row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Research
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Reference Shelf
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For You
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For group Research
For group Reference Shelf
For group For You
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Overviews
- Facing Facts about AcneFacing Facts about Acne http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm174521.htm(Food and Drug Administration)
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Questions and Answers about AcneQuestions and Answers about Acne http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Acne/(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
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Understanding AcneUnderstanding Acne http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/January/feature2.htm(National Institutes of Health)
- What Causes Acne?What Causes Acne? http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Latest News
- Health Tip: Factors That May Aggravate Acne in WomenHealth Tip: Factors That May Aggravate Acne in Womenhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_103120.html(09/09/2010, HealthDay)
- Common Acne Treatments Linked to Bowel ProblemsCommon Acne Treatments Linked to Bowel Problemshttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_102455.html(08/20/2010, Reuters Health)
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Treatment
- Acne and Isotretinoin: Using Isotretinoin the Right WayAcne and Isotretinoin: Using Isotretinoin the Right Way http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/parents-teens/631.printerview.html(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/children/parents/parents-teens/631.printerview.html
- Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) Capsule InformationIsotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) Capsule Information http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm094305.htm(Food and Drug Administration)
- Laser Acne TreatmentLaser Acne Treatment http://www.skinsight.com/cosmetics/laserAcneTreatment.htm(Logical Images)
- Over-the-Counter Acne Products: What Works and WhyOver-the-Counter Acne Products: What Works and Why http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne-products/SN00039/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Physical Procedures for Treating AcnePhysical Procedures for Treating Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/physicalprocedures.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Prescription Medications for Treating AcnePrescription Medications for Treating Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/prescriptmeds.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Treating Acne in Skin of ColorTreating Acne in Skin of Color http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/article_skinofcolor.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Treating Mild AcneTreating Mild Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatingmildacne.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Treating Moderate to Moderately Severe AcneTreating Moderate to Moderately Severe Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatingmoderatesevereacne.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Treating Severe AcneTreating Severe Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatsevereacne.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Prevention/Screening
- Can I Prevent Acne?Can I Prevent Acne? http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/beautiful/prevent_acne.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/teen/en_espanol/cuerpo/prevent_acne_esp.html
- Early Acne Often Predicts Severe AcneEarly Acne Often Predicts Severe Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/update.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Skin Care for Acne-Prone SkinSkin Care for Acne-Prone Skin http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne_prone_care.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Alternative Therapy
- Natural Acne Treatment: What's Most Effective?Natural Acne Treatment: What's Most Effective? http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/natural-acne-treatment/AN01716/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Coping
- Acne Can Change the Way You See the WorldAcne Can Change the Way You See the World http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/socimpct.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Disease Management
- Skin Care for People with AcneSkin Care for People with Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acneguidelines_new.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Topical Acne Medication Can Clear AcneTopical Acne Medication Can Clear Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/article_topical_acne_medication.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Specific Conditions
- Acne MechanicaAcne Mechanica http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/article_acnemechanica.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Excoriated AcneExcoriated Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/excoriatedacne.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Infantile AcneInfantile Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/infantileacne.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Pomade AcnePomade Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/pomadeacne.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Severe Acne: 4 TypesSevere Acne: 4 Types http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/severeacne4types.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Related Issues
- Acne ScarringAcne Scarring http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/scarring.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Food Does Not Cause AcneFood Does Not Cause Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne_and_diet.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Truth about Oral Contraceptives and AcneTruth about Oral Contraceptives and Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/article_oral_contraceptives.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- When to See a DermatologistWhen to See a Dermatologist http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/whentoseeaderm.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Pictures & Photographs
- Acne ExcoriéeAcne Excoriée http://www.skinsight.com/teen/acneExcoriee.htm(Logical Images)
- Acne Keloidalis NuchaeAcne Keloidalis Nuchae http://www.skinsight.com/adult/acneKeloidalisNuchae.htm(Logical Images)
- Acne Treatment: What Can Help Clear AcneAcne Treatment: What Can Help Clear Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatment.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Before and After Photos: Treatment of Atrophic ScarsBefore and After Photos: Treatment of Atrophic Scars http://www.asds.net/AcneScarCorrectionPhotos_AtrophicScars.aspx(American Society for Dermatologic Surgery)
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Tutorials
- AcneAcne http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/acne/htm/index.htm(Patient Education Institute)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/tutorials/acnespanish/htm/index.htm
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Videos
- If I Had - A Child with AcneIf I Had - A Child with Acne http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/VIDEO_If_I_Had_A_Child_With_Acne_Dr_Amy_Taub_MD_Northwestern_University_Medical_School_3655.aspx(Insidermedicine)
- If I Had - Acne As a Young FemaleIf I Had - Acne As a Young Female http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/VIDEO_If_I_Had_Acne_As_A_Young_Female_Dr_Amy_Taub_MD_Northwestern_University_Medical_School_3659.aspx(Insidermedicine)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Acne VulgarisClinicalTrials.gov: Acne Vulgaris http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Acne+Vulgaris%22(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Acne VulgarisClinicalTrials.gov: Acne Vulgaris http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Acne+Vulgaris%22
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Genetics
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Gene Array Research Contributes to Understanding of AcneGene Array Research Contributes to Understanding of Acne http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/gene_array_acne.asp(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
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Gene Array Research Contributes to Understanding of AcneGene Array Research Contributes to Understanding of Acne http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/gene_array_acne.asp
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Irritation potential of tretinoin gel microsphere pump versus adapalene plus...Article: Irritation potential of tretinoin gel microsphere pump versus adapalene plus... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20684151?tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Tretinoin gel microsphere pump 0.04% plus 5% benzoyl peroxide wash...Article: Tretinoin gel microsphere pump 0.04% plus 5% benzoyl peroxide wash... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20677537?tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Harnessing the anti-inflammatory effects of topical dapsone for management of...Article: Harnessing the anti-inflammatory effects of topical dapsone for management of... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645528?tool=MedlinePlus
- Acne -- see more articlesAcne -- see more articles http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=acneiform+eruptions[majr]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+english[la]+AND+(patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+jsubsetk[text]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt]))+AND+%22last+1+Year%22[edat]&tool=MedlinePlus
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Dictionaries/Glossaries
- GlossaryGlossary http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/glossary.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Directories
- Find a DermatologistFind a Dermatologist http://www.aad.org/findaderm/(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Organizations
- American Academy of DermatologyAmerican Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org/
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesNational Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases http://www.niams.nih.gov/
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.niams.nih.gov/Portal_En_Espanol/
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Children
- AcneAcne http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/body_stuff/acne.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/kid/en_espanol/cuerpo/acne_esp.html
- Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne) http://www.skinsight.com/infant/neonatalAcneBenignCephalicPustulosis.htm(Logical Images)
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Teenagers
- Acne in Teens: Ways to Control ItAcne in Teens: Ways to Control It http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/001.printerview.html(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/skin/disorders/001.printerview.html
- Adolescent AcneAdolescent Acne http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/article_adolescentacne.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Can Acne Scars Be Removed?Can Acne Scars Be Removed? http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/acne_scars.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/teen/en_espanol/cuerpo/acne_scars_esp.html
- Myths about AcneMyths about Acne http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/acne_myths.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/teen/en_espanol/cuerpo/acne_myths_esp.html
- Why Did My Doctor Prescribe Birth Control Pills for My Acne?Why Did My Doctor Prescribe Birth Control Pills for My Acne? http://kidshealth.org/teen/expert/birth_control/expert_birth_control.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Why Do I Get Acne?Why Do I Get Acne? http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/acne.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/teen/en_espanol/cuerpo/acne_esp.html
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Women
- Acne Medications Not for Use during PregnancyAcne Medications Not for Use during Pregnancy http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/article_acnemedsnot4pregnancy.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- AcneAcne http://womenshealth.gov/faq/acne.cfm(National Women's Health Information Center)
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Adults
- Adult Acne: A Fact of Life for Many WomenAdult Acne: A Fact of Life for Many Women http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/adult_acne_women.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Adult Acne: Effective Treatment AvailableAdult Acne: Effective Treatment Available http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/adult_acne_treatment.html(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Patient Handouts
- AcneAcne http://www.acog.org/departments/adolescentHealthCare/TeenCareToolKit/acne.pdf(American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) - PDF
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You may also be interested in these related encyclopedia pages:
The primary NIH organization for research on Acne is the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - http://www.niams.nih.gov/
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