Acne Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Acne
Synonyms	Acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris in an 18-year-old male during puberty
Symptoms	Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, scarring
Complications	Anxiety, reduced self-esteem, depression
Usual onset	Puberty
Risk factors	Genetics
Similar conditions	Folliculitis, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, miliaria
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures
Frequency	633 million affected (2015)

Acne is a common skin condition. It happens when tiny holes in your skin, called pores, get blocked. This can lead to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The most common type is called acne vulgaris. This just means "common acne."

Acne happens when oil from your skin's sebaceous glands mixes with dead skin cells. This mixture can block your hair follicles. When a pore is blocked, oil builds up underneath. Skin bacteria can then grow very fast. This can make your skin swollen and red, causing pimples.

Acne often appears on the face, chest, back, and upper arms.

It is very common during puberty. This is because your body makes more hormones as you grow from a child into an adult. Acne usually becomes less common as people get older.

Around 633 million people worldwide had acne in 2015. This makes it one of the most common diseases globally.

What Happens When You Have Acne?
Why Do People Get Acne?
How Can Acne Be Treated?
Dealing with Acne Scars
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See also

What Happens When You Have Acne?

A teenager with acne.

Anyone can get acne, but it is most common in teenagers. Acne can affect how you feel about yourself. It can also cause physical problems. Pimples can be painful and sensitive. Sometimes, acne can even leave scars on your skin.

If someone has a lot of acne, especially teenagers, they might feel sad or have low self-esteem. This can sometimes lead to depression. Feeling bad about your skin might make you want to avoid social events. It can also make it harder to make new friends.

Why Do People Get Acne?

A sebaceous gland, which produces oil in the skin.

Scientists are still learning why some people get acne and others do not. But some things are known to cause acne or make it worse:

Hormone changes: These are common during puberty.
Overactive oil glands: Your skin might make too much oil.
Stress: Feeling stressed can sometimes make acne worse.
Dead skin cells: If too many dead skin cells stay on your skin, they can block pores.
Bacteria: Certain bacteria can grow in blocked pores.
Diet: Some studies suggest that certain foods might affect acne.

How Can Acne Be Treated?

Benzoyl peroxide gel, a common acne treatment.

Many products are sold to treat acne. One popular treatment is benzoyl peroxide. A mix of store-bought and home remedies can help with acne.

Treatments work in different ways:

Killing bacteria: Some treatments use antibiotics. You can take them as a pill or put them on your skin. They help kill the bacteria that cause pimples.
Reducing oil: Some medicines, like those with Vitamin A, can help reduce the amount of oil your skin makes.
Removing dead skin cells: Special treatments can help your skin shed its top layer of dead cells. This helps keep pores clear.
Diet: Some studies show that acne is less common in places with different diets. Certain foods might make acne worse for some people.

It is best not to pop pimples yourself. Popping pimples can irritate your skin. It can also spread bacteria and cause scars. If you must pop a pimple, wash your hands very well first. Applying warm water to the area can help open the pores. This makes it easier to pop and causes less damage.

Dealing with Acne Scars

Blue Light acne photo-therapy.

Sometimes, severe acne can leave behind scars. These scars can be difficult and expensive to treat.

Here are some ways acne scars can be treated:

Dermabrasion: This treatment removes the top layer of skin. It makes scars look less deep but does not remove them completely. You might need several treatments.
Laser resurfacing: A laser is used to remove the top layer of skin.
Light therapy: This uses special light to help improve mild to moderate acne.
Punch excision: A small tool is used to lift the scar. Then, the edges of the skin are smoothed together.
Chemical peels: Different types of acid are put on the skin. This helps a smoother layer of skin to form.
Subcision: A small cut is made under the scar. This allows blood to collect and raise the scar closer to the skin's surface.