“Acne” is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that involves the hair follicles and oil glands. A variety of spots appear on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. Inflamed papules and pustules are commonly called spots, pimples and zits. Dark or skin colored papules or comedones are commonly called blackheads and whiteheads. Acne can lead to secondary color changes (red, white and brown patches) and scarring.
There are many causes of acne:
1) Increased production of sex hormones during and after puberty stimulates oil glands to produce more oils.
2) The tiny pores on the skin surface become clogged by oil and skin debris which leads to inflammation.
3) Overgrowth of bacteria leads to hair follicle inflammation.