# Symptoms and Causes - Author: **Cleveland Clinic** - Document Tags: [[acne]] - [URL link](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne)  ## Highlights - Adult acne is more common among women ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfk4qxzabzyg9c5fz1k9ej)) --- - An estimated 80% of people ages 11 to 30 will have at least a mild form of acne. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfkzkxsq0c67dqst46rnbm)) --- - • **Nodules**: Large lumps under your skin that are painful. • **Cysts**: Painful fluid-filled (pus) lumps under your skin. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfm86svyd54w6vbmrtfg2t)) --- - Topical acne medications ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfna6ap2j27qc2yx225z0z)) --- - [**Benzoyl peroxide**](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18432-benzoyl-peroxide-clindamycin-skin-gel-or-lotion): This ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfptaeyg51verbg4dsxzw4)) --- - targets surface bacteria, which often aggravates acne ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfq24hwn81ezvcpte46w6g)) --- - [**Salicylic acid**](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20341-salicylic-acid-topical-gel-cream-lotion-solution): This ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfqkp4sc5sbc86xdn5rwdh)) --- - helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfr04z22ssc9f53ygymw7x)) --- - **Azelaic acid**: This is a natural acid found in various grains such as barley, wheat and rye. It kills microorganisms on the skin and reduces swelling. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfr6mktngwmrsgq3bmgptv)) --- - [Retinoids](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol) (vitamin A derivatives ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfrtkxtdbkdfgvdffc54nd)) --- - breaks up blackheads and whiteheads and helps prevent clogged pores ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfs1ww49szd484zt35gqvz)) --- - These medications aren’t spot treatments and must be used on the entire area of skin affected by acne to prevent the formation of new pimples ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfsdm253bfzfx9t2whcmm2)) --- - **Antibiotics**: Topical antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin control surface bacteria that aggravate and cause acne. Antibiotics are more effective when combined with benzoyl peroxide ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyfstxw6899h0dawpndbpv6)) --- - [**Chemical peels**](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11010-chemical-peels): This treatment uses special chemicals to remove the top layer of old skin. After removal of the top layer of skin, new skin grows in smoother and can lessen acne scars. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hwyftnnng6e0tfnkv1ssem6d)) ---