Who gets acne?

Most of teenagers between the ages of twelve and seventeen have at least an occasional whitehead, blackhead or pimple, regardless of race or ethnicity. It normally goes away on its own sometime in the early twenties. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. Acne can persist into the late twenties or thirties or even beyond. Some people get acne for the first time as adults.

Many of these young people are able to manage their acne with over-the-counter (nonprescription) treatments. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring.

Acne affects young men and young women about equally, but there are differences. Young men are more likely than young women to have more severe, longer lasting forms of acne. Despite this fact, young men are less likely than young women to visit a dermatologist for their acne. In contrast, young women are more likely to have intermittent acne due to hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle and acne caused by cosmetics. These kinds of acne may afflict young women well into adulthood.

Acne lesions are most common on the face, but they can also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms and legs.

Normal Acne Distribution