- Whiteheads. These are pimples that stay under the surface of the skin.
- Blackheads. These pimples rise to the skin's surface and look black. The black color is not from dirt.
- Papules. These are small pink bumps that can be tender.
- Pustules. These pimples are red at the bottom and have pus on top.
- Nodules. These are large, painful, solid pimples that are deep in the skin.
- Cysts. These deep, painful, pus-filled pimples can cause scars.
Acne is the most common skin disease, affecting nearly 17 million people in the United States. People of all races and ages get acne, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. Nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 get acne. For most people, acne goes away by age 30. But some people in their 40s and 50s still get acne.
Factors Contributing to Acne
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors think certain factors might contribute to this condition. These potential factors include:
- The increase in hormones during the teenage years (this can cause the oil glands to plug up more often)
- Hormone changes during pregnancy
- Starting or stopping birth control pills
- Heredity (if your parents had acne, you might get it too)
- Some types of medicine
- Greasy makeup.
(Click Causes of Acne for more information about possible acne causes.)
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