What Is Acne: The Basics

Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads and inflamed red growths (papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. These growths are commonly known as pimples or zits.

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. These oil glands help lubricate the skin and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked.  Dirt, debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone. The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead). If the plug breaks open, the material inside causes swelling and red bumps to form. If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts. Acne is a problem of swelling and inflammation, not a problem caused by bacteria. It is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even in an infant. Three out of four teenagers have some acne. Hormonal changes probably cause increased oil in the skin. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.

What Is Acne: What Triggers It

Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by: hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, stress, greasy or oily cosmetics, hair products, certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin), high levels of humidity and sweating. Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts and greasy foods cause acne, research does not confirm this idea. Diets high in refined sugars may be related to acne, though. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but it may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks. Your doctor can diagnose acne based on the appearance of the skin. Testing is usually not required. So, if you would like to know how to get rid of acne, read the following page to learn how to get rid of acne fast. For some people, depending on the severity of the condition, you may be able to learn how to get rid of acne overnight.

What Is Acne: How To Best Treat It

So, what is the best way to get rid of acne? Here are some steps for getting rid of acne: clean your skin gently with a mild and non-drying soap (such as Dove, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, CeraVe or Basics), remove all dirt or make-up, wash once or twice a day including after exercising. However, avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing. Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.

Some of you will ask how to get rid of pimples, and how to get rid of pimples fast. Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring. If pimples are still a problem, a health care provider can prescribe stronger medications and discuss other options with you. Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim and amoxicillin can help certain cases. Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or dapsone can help from the top. People who have cystic acne and scarring may try a medicine called isotretinoin (Accutane). You will be watched closely when taking this medicine because of its side effects. It is often very difficult to find a way how to get rid of pimples overnight.

Acne usually goes away after the teenage years, but it may last into middle age. The condition often responds well to treatment after 6 – 8 weeks, but it may flare up from time to time. If you would like to know how to get rid of acne scars, unfortunately some scarring may be permanent if severe acne is not treated, so it is best to take immediate action. Some people, especially teenagers, can become very depressed if acne is not treated.

For further information and advice, please see the following pages:

Acne Information Resource Sheet
Acne - PubMed Health