Acne tends to occur on the face, neck, shoulders, back and chest. It develops as a result of plugged pores that are caused by a disorder of oil glands in the skin. The product of these plugged pores is acne.

Commonly called zits or pimples, acne is considered the number one occurring skin disease in the United States. It is also one of the least harmful skin diseases. Unfortunately, its tendency not to cause permanent harm to the body does not make it any less of a nightmare for the teenagers of this country.

With the concentration on self-image and "beautifying" oneself in today's media, developing acne is a common fear among young people. Many myths are spread about what causes acne and simple ways to prevent it. The most common myths have to do with diet and dirt.

Research has shown that neither one's diet nor dirt on the skin directly causes acne. However, both have some factors that may contribute to the development of acne. Foods high in fat may contribute to the development of acne in some people. Also, irritants of the skin including dirt, pollution and high humidity have been shown to add to the development of acne.

Acne can occur in those of all ages, but it occurs most in those between the ages of twelve and twenty-four years. It can develop on a person of any ethnicity and racial background, but it develops the most often on Caucasians. It is commonly caused by a drastic change in hormones. That is why it occurs most often in the age levels that it does.

There are all sorts of treatments for acne. The simple ones, prescribed by one's friends and family will include eating a healthier diet, cleaning oneself more often or using a stronger face wash and not touching one's face with their hands.

The most helpful of these suggestions is probably not touching one's face. While eating healthy and cleansing one's face better are extremely important things to do, they will not help acne as well. Studies have shown that acne is prevented the easiest by simply not bothering the skin with the oils and other irritants on the fingers. It is important to remember, however, that some people will just get acne as a part of life.
Medicines are available for those having problems with acne. For milder cases, prescriptions may be administered by one's family doctor or pediatrician. For more severe cases, one may want to see a dermatologist.

When one goes to a dermatologist; that is, a doctor specializing in skin diseases, acne will be treated by medicines primarily for the prevention of scarring. While acne is not a particularly hazardous skin disease, it can cause permanent scarring of the skin tissue. Obviously, this is the most disturbing when it occurs on the face.
For a list of over the counter and prescription medications that may be used to treat acne, one should visit this website.

Beyond medications and seeing doctors, one should always care for their skin. There are several things one can do before or after developing acne. First, one should always cleanse the skin softly. Scrubbing at it will not help acne, and in fact can make it works. Secondly, as mentioned above, one should avoid touching and irritating the skin affected by acne.

One should also avoid suntans and sunburns. These can cause further harm and worsen conditions of the skin. While a good suntan may cover up acne to some extent, it does not help in the way one wants. Suntans and sunburns have also been linked with more severe skin diseases, such as skin cancer.
Lastly, one should shave carefully. Cutting a zit or pimple will only worsen it and possibly lead to scarring. Do not pick at a zit or pimple either. Damaging the acne is not at all beneficial to the health of one's skin.