Acne is a skin problem characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and pimples which appear mostly on the face, neck, back and chest.
The opening of a sebaceous gland can get blocked, trapping the sebum. This can result in acne. Most guys and girls are affected during their teens when the sebaceous glands start to produce more sebum.
No standard treatment is available. What works for one may not work for someone else. So you have to try different things to manage it. There are products that clean the skin; products that make the skin peel off (benzoyl peroxide, like 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream); and antibiotics to deter infection. It is still unclear whether or not certain foods influence acne (e.g. chocolate, pork, fatty foods).
Most people have to search for a method that will help them get rid of their pimples. If you cannot solve the problem by yourself, go to your physician or a dermatologist.
If other treatments have failed, girls can use hormone therapy, like the contraceptive pill ‘Diane 35.’ This will block the acne-promoting effects of androgenic hormones. For guys, no hormone solution exists.
Do not pop, squeeze or pick at acne. It will usually make it worse.