Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of Acne

Acne occurs when pores get clogged and bacteria grow inside the pore, causing inflammation. There may be a number of reasons why some people get acne and others don’t. They include:

• Medications, including corticosteroids
• Oil and grease from the scalp and makeup
• Diet
• Irritation from squeezing pimples
• Friction from clothing, helmets or backpacks
• Pollution
• Irritation from humidity or exposure to the sun
• Hormone level changes:
• At puberty
• During the menstrual cycle
• During pregnancy
• From birth control pills
• From stress

When you’re stressed out, your body produces more androgens, the hormone that stimulates oil glands and hair follicles in the skin. There is also a genetic component to acne. If someone else in your immediate family has acne, you are more likely to get it as well.

Your physician can diagnose acne during a physical exam.