It affects teenagers and young adults. The severity reduces with increasing age. However some cases may persist during adulthood. Oily skin is a common problem in patients suffering from acne . Other conditions causing flare-ups are hormonal imbalances during menstrual periods, pregnancy , use of birth control pills and stress.
Sebaceous glands are secretory glands that open into hair follicles and skin pores.
There is accumulation of oily secretions from the sebaceous glands due to blockage of the external pores in the skin. Subsequent infection by bacteria causes inflammation and the aggravation of acne . However, if the formation occurs in the deeper layers, the result is a soft, fluctuant mass called a cyst. Blackheads are open comedones. Larger red bumps are called nodules.