Why is acne caused

Acne occurs when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil and dead skin cells. If the clogged pore becomes infected with bacteria, it forms a pimple, which is small red bump with pus at its tip. Cystic acne — the most severe form of acne — occurs when oil and dead skin cells build up deep within hair follicles.

The resulting rupture within your skin may form boil-like inflammation. If self-care remedies don't clear your acne, see your primary care doctor. He or she can prescribe stronger medications.

If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in the skin dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist. For many women, acne can persist for decades, with flares common a week before menstruation. This type of acne tends to clear up without treatment in women who use contraceptives. In older adults, a sudden onset of severe acne may signal an underlying disease requiring medical attention.

The Food and Drug Administration FDA warns that some popular nonprescription acne lotions, cleansers and other skin products can cause a serious reaction.

This type of reaction is quite rare, so don't confuse it with any redness, irritation or itchiness that occurs in areas where you've applied medications or products. Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in more severe acne. Acne typically appears on your face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders because these areas of skin have the most oil sebaceous glands.

Hair follicles are connected to oil glands. The follicle wall may bulge and produce a whitehead. Or the plug may be open to the surface and darken, causing a blackhead. A blackhead may look like dirt stuck in pores. But actually the pore is congested with bacteria and oil, which turns brown when it's exposed to the air.

Pimples are raised red spots with a white center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected with bacteria. Blockages and inflammation deep inside hair follicles produce cystlike lumps beneath the surface of your skin. Other pores in your skin, which are the openings of the sweat glands, aren't usually involved in acne. People with darker skin types are more likely than are people with lighter skin to experience these acne complications:.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. Skin and hair products. Not all skin care products are created equal. Read the labels and look for words like oil-free, non-comedogenic, or non-acnegenic. Make sure your face wash, moisturizer and sun block contain these phrases.

An underlying medical condition. In a small percentage of patients, acne could be caused by an undiagnosed medical condition. In women, a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS often underlies chronic or difficult-to-control acne.

A dermatologist will take a careful history and perform an exam, including a possible blood test, to better identify underlying causes. Family history. If a close relative or family member has had acne, your acne may be genetically predisposed.

Some medications have acne as a side effect that can either cause it or make it worse. A dermatologist will be able to determine if your medications are causing or contributing to breakouts. Common factors include steroid inhalers, birth control, and testosterone to name a few. Hormonal acne related to puberty usually subsides, or at least improves when you reach adulthood.

If you have symptoms of acne, your doctor can make a diagnosis by examining your skin. Your doctor will identify the types of lesions and their severity to determine the best treatment.

There are a few self-care activities you can try at home to prevent pimples and clear up your acne. Home remedies for acne include:.

Most of these medications contain ingredients that can help kill bacteria or reduce oil on your skin. Sometimes, you may continue to experience symptoms.

If this happens, you may want to seek medical advice. Your doctor can prescribe medications that may help reduce your symptoms and prevent scarring. Women with hormonal acne may be treated with birth control pills or spironolactone. These medications regulate hormones that can cause acne through a decrease in oil production.

Isotretinoin Accutane is a vitamin-A-based medication used to treat certain cases of severe nodular acne. Your doctor may recommend procedures to treat severe acne and prevent scarring.

These procedures work by removing damaged skin and reducing oil production. They include:. Treatment for acne is often successful. Most people can expect their acne to begin clearing up within six to eight weeks. However, flare-ups are common and may require additional or long-term treatment. Isotretinoin is the treatment most likely to provide permanent or long-term positive results. Acne scarring can cause emotional distress.

But, prompt treatment can help prevent scarring. Also, your dermatologist will have treatment options designed to treat scarring. You can book an appointment with a dermatologist in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool. But you can take steps at home to help prevent acne after treatment. These steps include:. Knowing which type of acne you have is key to successfully clearing it from your skin.