Acne
Overview
Acne develops when pores become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, allowing bacteria to grow. It produces whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and sometimes deeper, painful cysts. It is the most common skin condition in the United States and affects adults as well as teenagers. Effective treatment exists for every severity, and starting early reduces the chance of permanent scarring.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What is causing my acne, and is anything making it worse?
- Which treatment do you recommend first, and how long before I should expect a change?
- What side effects should I watch for, and when should I contact you?
- Is this condition contagious, inherited, or linked to anything else in my health?
- What should I do differently if it flares or comes back?
Getting Care
A board-certified dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and tailor treatment to your skin. If your symptoms change quickly, spread, become painful, or come with a fever, seek care sooner.
Keep learning about Acne
A short summary of what's new, roughly once a week.
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