Acne tends to begin during or right before puberty. This is because puberty is characterized by an increase in sex hormones. These hormones cause development of secondary sex characteristics in both males and females. Persons who get severe acne do not necessarily have an over production of hormones, but rather a hyperresponse to the hormones. It is usually not red or inflamed.
Lesions occur on the central forehead, chin, and nose.
They usually occur in the preteenage or early teenage years. Increased sebum production and abnormal sloughing of the cells cause it. Usually, there is no bacterial infection and minimal inflammation. Salicylic acid can be used alternatively. It is reasonable to start with a small amount applied to a quarter-size area to see what type of reaction occurs, if any, overnight.