Acne is a skin condition brought about by a host of factors that all contribute to its development. It starts off with an excess production of oil on the skin due to the over activity of body's skin glands. The body's hormonal havoc may lead to the plugging and clogging of the pores. When these oils interact with the dead skin cells that line up the pores and the dirt that accumulates from the environment, outbreaks may occur especially when bacteria begins to accumulate.

Genetics play a role in acne. People whose family members have acne will most likely develop acne or have children who will develop the condition. The body's internal hormonal system also contributes. This is the reason why teeners are more predisposed to it than adults. Acne does not only occur on the face, although they are much visible there. Acne may crop up in different parts of the body but the most common is of course in the neck, at the back and on the shoulders.

There are five kinds of acne. The first common form or stage is known as acne vulgaris. This mild version of acne does not create much vulnerability to your skin. Don't be confused, if you have zits that you can count with your fingers. This is very normal and every mortal suffers from this. Acne vulgaris involves all the whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules, which are quite visible. They often have a white or a yellow center. In severe cases of acne vulgaris, a person experiences the development of nodules and even cysts that are filled with pus. This problem arises if it is not not treated carefully at the beginning. You may land up with scarring on your skin.

Another form of acne is the Acne Rosacea, which may appear as the red rash that covers the spaces in between pimples and other blemishes. The condition occurs more often in women than in men and may require specialized treatment and care, as compared to Acne Vulgaris. Acne Conglobata, on the other hand, is more severe as it occurs as interconnected lesions that are dotted with pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Because of the severity of the condition, this often leads to scarring.

The fourth one is the Acne Fulminans, which is actually similar to Acne Conglobata except that it occurs suddenly. The acne oozes out and the body is even affected, frequently resulting in aching muscles and joints. Males are more affected by this than women.

The last type of acne is Pyroderma Faciale, which can often be seen in women, 20 to 40 years old. This is actually quite severe as it often involves the presence of nodules, sores and some pustules, which will no doubt all lead to scarring in the future. Still, if treated well, the condition will rarely continue or last for longer than a year. The important thing is to have it treated as soon as it crops up.