Acne (Pimples) Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

Acne is a disease that affects the skin's oil glands.

There are many types of pimples. The most common types are:
- Whiteheads (comedones): These are pimples that stay under the surface of the skin
- Blackheads: These pimples rise to the skin's surface and look black
- Papules: These are small pink bumps that can be tender
- Pustules: These pimples are red at the bottom and have pus on top
- Nodules: These are large, painful, solid pimples that are deep in the skin
- Cysts: These deep, painful, pus-filled pimples can cause scars

Pimples and acne are so common that they are considered a normal part of puberty. The hair follicles, or pores, in your skin contain sebaceous glands (also called oil glands). These glands make sebum, which is an oil that lubricates your hair and skin. Pores become clogged if there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells. Bacteria can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply. This causes swelling and redness.

Parents often tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse.

Some people do find that they notice their breakouts get more severe when they eat too much of a certain food. If you're one of them, it's worth trying to cut back on that food to see what happens.

Acne is the most common skin disease. Affecting all races and ages, acne is most common in teenagers and young adults. An estimated 80% of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point. Some people in their 40s and 50s still get acne.

The basic acne lesion, called the comedo (KOM-e-do), is simply an enlarged and plugged hair follicle. If the comedo stays beneath the skin, it is called a closed comedo and produces a white bump called a whitehead.

A comedo that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called an open comedo or blackhead because it looks black on the skin's surface. This black discoloration is due to changes in sebum as it is exposed to air. It is not due to dirt. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.

Blackheads are therefore not dirt and do not reflect poor hygiene.

Newborn babies may have some skin conditions that seem unusual. Most are fairly common and do not need to be treated.

Baby acne is a red, pimply rash on the face. It appears as more pronounced red or white bumps on the forehead or cheeks. Baby acne develops within the first three to four weeks due to hormonal changes that stimulate oil glands. Generally, it disappears over time.

Simply wash your baby's face with water and a mild baby soap daily, avoid lotions or oils, and never pinch or scrub the bumps. If baby acne doesn't clear up within three months, tell your pediatrician.

Rosacea is characterized by pimples in the middle third of the face, along with redness, flushing, and the presence of superficial blood vessels. It generally affects people in their 30s and 40s and older. The appearance may sometimes seem similar to that of acne; however, there are no blackheads or whiteheads in rosacea.

Acne is not a serious health threat, but it can cause scars. Early treatment is the best way to prevent scars. Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs. Some acne medicines are put right on the skin. Other medicines are pills that you swallow. The doctor may tell you to use more than one medicine.