Nomenclature: Acne Vulgaris, Pimples, Spots, Zits.

Acne is a skin infection caused by changes in the sebaceous glands, which causes blockage and inflammation of skin pores. This results in superficial skin eruptions.

Acne usually manifests as spots, whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules on the face, back and chest. The term acne comes from a corruption of the Greek word - acne that means a skin eruption

The appearance of pimples sometimes occurs during puberty, a time when the body faces a surge of hormones (Testosterone). In some youngsters, acne continues to bother them well into their young adulthood or even till their late forties while in others they disappear after a few years. There are no parameters that are available to indicate when these lesions are likely to disappear.

It is wrongly assumed that only teenagers get acne. Research has pointed out that acne affects nearly 50% of all adult women and 25% of adult men during their lifetime.

Youngsters may suddenly find that the smooth skin on their face has a bumpy swelling. There is a tendency to squeeze these pimples to make them disappear but often this makes it worse leading to more such bumps.

Acne vulgaris usually manifests on those parts of the skin that are loaded with sebaceous follicles like the face, back and the upper area of the chest. Though, usually it appears on the face, acne can extend to neck, chest and back.

Acne cannot only scar the face but also the mind as it gives rise to negative thoughts leading many victims to suffer from depression. Those who are troubled by its appearance for many years feel mentally bogged down by it causing them to suffer from insecurities.

Treatment of acne is usually dependent on the type. Dermatologists do prescribe many proven topical agents to treat acne but they also feel that patients sometimes do not use the medications as advised.

An interesting study on the regularity of using acne treatment by teens has revealed that teens who took part in web-based surveys tended to regularly use their topical acne medication as per advice.