Skin condition causing pimples and blemishes. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Acne
Skin condition causing pimples and blemishes
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
It causes whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples and is most common among teenagers.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may inspect the skin, hair or nails and ask about onset, spread, itching or pain, products, allergies, medicines and systemic symptoms. Swabs, patch testing or skin biopsy may be considered when needed.
Care may include trigger avoidance, topical or oral treatment, infection control, phototherapy or specialist referral. Ask how long a treatment trial should last and what reaction would require review.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for facial or lip swelling, widespread blistering, rapidly spreading redness, fever with severe rash, eye involvement, breathing difficulty or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Symptoms
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Pimples
- Cysts
- Oily skin
Possible causes
- Excess oil production
- Clogged hair follicles
- Bacteria
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
Care and treatment options
- Topical treatments
- Antibiotics
- Hormone therapy
- Isotretinoin (severe cases)
- Procedures (laser, chemical peels)
Key points
- Affects 85% of teenagers
- Can persist into adulthood
- Most common skin condition
- Treatable with proper care
Preparing for a consultation
- Clear photographs showing how the condition changed.
- Products, medicines and foods that precede symptoms.
- Whether the problem is itchy, painful, spreading or recurring.
- Previous treatments and their effect.
Questions worth asking
- Is Acne the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Acne?
Skin condition causing pimples and blemishes This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Acne?
A clinician may inspect the skin, hair or nails and ask about onset, spread, itching or pain, products, allergies, medicines and systemic symptoms. Swabs, patch testing or skin biopsy may be considered when needed.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Topical treatments, Antibiotics, Hormone therapy, Isotretinoin (severe cases). Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Acne be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for facial or lip swelling, widespread blistering, rapidly spreading redness, fever with severe rash, eye involvement, breathing difficulty or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Clear photographs showing how the condition changed. Products, medicines and foods that precede symptoms. Whether the problem is itchy, painful, spreading or recurring. Previous treatments and their effect. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Acne can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.