Acne

Acne (the most common form of which is known as acne vulgaris, or "common acne") is a disease characterized by inflammation of the skin.

The inflammation is caused by changes in the skin structures surrounding hair follicles and their associated sebaceous (oil) glands.

Acne manifests itself in lesions or pimples (commonly known as zits).

Acne is common around puberty and tends to disappear as the suffers reach their twenties. However, in some individuals acne can continue for decades.

In common acne, the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands secrete too much oil and this is accompanied by the plugging of skin pores by dead skin cells.

SOmetimes after the acne lesions go away, unattractive scars can remain.