Acne vulgaris, popular called acne is a common disease of the skin, which occurs when the sebum (oily secretion, sebaceous gland oil) and dead skin cells clog pores. Plugging pores cause the spots that are often red and swollen.
Mild form of acne is characterized by the appearance of a few red spots, called comedones, or popular "pimples". Severe acne consists of hundreds of pimples or lesions that can cover the face, neck, chest and back. While mild acne is just annoying, severe acne can lead to mental and emotional disorders.
Most commonly affected are teenagers. More than 85% are at least a mild disease. In most cases, acne disappears around the age of 20 years, but some people, mostly women, acne can take up to 40-50 years.

During adolescence, pore plugging is the most common cause of acne. During puberty, serum levels of hormones increase sebum secretion and increases. The role of sebum is to maintain skin moisture. Acne occurs when sebum mixes with dead skin cells.
This mixture block pores, causing bacterial infection that infiltrates the surrounding tissues. The result is red pimples, swollen and filled with pus.
Contrary to popular legend, the consumption of foods high in fat or chocolate does not cause acne.

The acne treatment is long. Progress can occur even after 8 weeks of initiation. Usually, acne worsen before improving - even during treatment. Fortunately, treatment is often effective. Gentle washing with soaps or products without a prescription such as lotions based on benzoyl peroxide, control and prevent injuries in cases of mild acne. If they are not effective, consult a dermatologist who will prescribe certain creams and lotions. They may contain antibiotics or other drugs.
The doctor may prescribe topical lotions (with topical) Benzoyl peroxide, even in moderate or severe cases of acne. Antibiotics taken orally can be used also to treat acne. It is possible that treatment be established in both lotions and oral antibiotics. This combination is more effective than monotherapy (using a single drug or cream). Also, this combination reduces the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
In case of nodules - increased consistency lesions, inflamed and painful - the doctor recommended that the treatment of first intention, a cream or lotion based topical vitamin A (retinoid cream or lotion). In these cases it is recommended and a cream containing antibiotics or oral antibiotics.
In severe cases of acne, with nodules and deep cystic lesions, doctors recommended if other treatments are ineffective, an oral retinoid, such as isotretinoin. Although this treatment is very effective, doctors use it as a compassionate intention, because Isotretinoin can cause side effects that are rare although there are some serious.

Possible side effects include:
- depression
- Increasing levels of cholesterol
- Congenital anomalies
A single dose of isotretinoin administered to a pregnant woman can cause severe birth defects.
Doctors also use in acne treatment, laser therapy or where (rays) of light. Light wave therapy that uses high intensity blue light was approved by FDS (Food and Drug Administration). This therapy is effective in cases of mild to moderate acne, where other treatments have been ineffective.