Acne

Acne is a group of skin conditions involving blocked or inflamed hair follicles and oil glands. It commonly causes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deeper nodules and cysts.

Sebum: An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that lubricates skin and hair. Excess sebum can contribute to clogged follicles and acne lesions.
Benzoyl peroxide: A topical medication that reduces acne-associated bacteria and helps prevent clogged follicles. It is a common treatment for inflammatory acne and is often paired with topical retinoids.
Rosacea: A chronic inflammatory skin condition that commonly causes facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. Facial papules may resemble acne, but rosacea lacks comedones and has different triggers.
Comedonal acne: An acne pattern dominated by blackheads and whiteheads, with little inflammation. This presentation shows follicle blockage before prominent inflammatory lesions develop.
Sebaceous gland: A skin gland that secretes sebum, usually into a hair follicle. These glands supply the oil involved in acne formation.
Topical retinoid: A vitamin A–derived skin medication that normalizes follicle shedding and treats acne. It targets clogged follicles and is a foundation of treatment for comedonal acne.
Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles, often causing small red bumps or pustules. It can look like acne, but lesions arise from follicle inflammation with different causes.
Nodulocystic acne: A severe acne pattern with deep, painful nodules and cyst-like lesions. Deep lesions carry greater risks of scarring and often require systemic treatment.
Cutibacterium acnes: A bacterium commonly found in hair follicles that can contribute to inflammation in acne. Its activity in blocked follicles can intensify inflammatory lesions.
Isotretinoin: An oral retinoid used for severe or treatment-resistant acne that markedly reduces sebum production. It can produce long-lasting remission when other acne treatments have failed.

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