Acne: A Disorder of the Skin

Acne - A Disorder of the Skin

Acne is a disorder of the skin. The skin is the body's largest organ. Acne is

caused by a disorder of the skin's oil glands, which are called sebaceous glands. It

also is affected by the hair follicles and the lining surrounding them, which is known as

the pilosebaceous units. There are different types of acne. Cystic acne is a severe

form of acne. The two major types of acne are non-inflammatory and inflammatory. In

non-inflammatory, the skin has a few whiteheads and black heads on the skin surface

(see chart for diagrams). In inflammatory acne, the skin has inflamed whiteheads,

pimples, and pustules. In the most severe form, cystic acne, cysts and scars form on

the skin surface.

Acne is classified as a disease of the pilosebaceous glands. It usually starts

during puberty in adolescents, and tends to be caused by a number of factors, including

heredity, hormones, skin condition (oiliness)...