One of the most common, and most treatable, skin diseases.

Acne is chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous units (hair follicle and oil gland) of the face and trunk that commonly begins during adolescence. Acne presents clinically with comedones (whitheads and blackheads), papules, nodules, cysts or pustules. An overproduction of oil, an overgrowth of P. acne bacteria and a clogging of the pores are the main cause acne. This condition can be aggravated by stress, illness or comedogenic cosmetics. If left untreated, it call lead to pitted or thickened scars.

The treatment of acne is aimed at preventing and correcting any plugging of pores, reducing inflammation and removing the bacteria responsible. This is often accomplish by the use of topical prescription medications.