Take the Acne Quiz 

False. Acne lesions usually occur not only on the face and neck, but also on the back, chest, and shoulders.
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False. Acne involves the oil (or sebaceous) glands and the hair follicles. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle. Acne is believed to result from a change in the inner lining of the follicle that prevents the sebum from passing through.
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True. The mixture of oil and cells in the plugged follicle causes bacteria that normally live on the skin, called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), to grow. These bacteria produce chemicals and enzymes that can cause inflammation.
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True. The lesion is called the comedo (KOM-e-do) or comedone. It's also often referred to as a microcomedo because it cannot be seen by the naked eye.
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False. A comedo or lesion that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called a blackhead because it looks black on the skin's surface. This black discoloration is not because of dirt.
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True. These hormones, called androgens (male sex hormones), increase in both boys and girls during puberty and can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. Stress also appears to aggravate acne.
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True. Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin or the pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars can contribute to or worsen acne.
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False. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed for the problem, but research has shown that foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people.
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True. Additional goals are to reduce the number of painful lesions and to minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this disease.
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False. Scrubbing will not improve acne; in fact, it can make the problem worse. Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening. Patients should ask their doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use. Patients should wash their face from under the jaw to the hairline; rough scrubs or pads should not be used. It is important that patients thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it. Astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots.
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