Diagnosis

• T-zoneImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Nicole Makauskas
  
  Felicia Dennis, a physician's assistant at Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases, says she would immediately take note of the patient's oily skin, especially in the T-zone area of the face. This indicates the oil or sebaceous glands are working overtime. Hair follicles become clogged due to the overproduction of oil. Other obvious symptoms include blackhead or whitehead pimples.
  
  

Types

• Teens and acneImage by Fotolia.com, courtesy of pixelcarpenter
  
  Most people have non-inflammatory acne, characterized by just a few blackheads and whiteheads on the face. Inflammatory acne happens when the whiteheads become inflamed and red pimples and pustules develop. The most severe form of this type of acne is characterized by disfiguring cysts and and deep scarring on the face and other areas.
  
  

Cause

• Food breakoutsImage by Fotolia.com, courtesy of lefebvre_jonathan
  
  The exact cause of acne is uncertain. There are hereditary links, and about 80 percent of teenagers develop it due to hormonal changes in the body. Dennis says citrus and foods containing simple sugars, like chocolate, can also cause random breakouts.
  
  

Treatment

• Controlling acneImage by Fotolia.com, courtesy of Christopher Hall
  
  Non-inflammatory acne can be treated with non-prescription creams. Severe cases are treated with prescription medicines containing isotretinoin.
  
  

Tips

• Don't squeeze!Image by Fotolia.com, courtesy of Adam Borkowski
  
  Use fingertips to gently rub the face with an acne-friendly cleanser, no more than two times a day. Picking or squeezing can lead to scarring.