acne

American  

[ak-nee] / ˈæk ni /

noun

Pathology.

1. an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, characterized by comedones and pimples, especially on the face, back, and chest, and, in severe cases, by cysts and nodules resulting in scarring.

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acne British  

/ ˈæknɪ /

noun

1. Also called: acne vulgaris.  a chronic skin disease common in adolescence, involving inflammation of the sebaceous glands and characterized by pustules on the face, neck, and upper trunk See also rosacea

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acne Scientific  

/ ăk′nē /

1. An inflammatory disease of the skin in which the sebaceous glands become clogged and infected, often causing the formation of pimples, especially on the face. It is most common during adolescence, but also occurs in infants and adults.

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Usage

What is acne? Acne is a skin condition in which the skin’s sebaceous glands become clogged, infected, and inflamed. A more technical name for it is acne vulgaris. Acne commonly results in pimples—small inflammations or swellings of the skin that may or may not be filled with pus. More severe cases of acne can result in cysts and nodules that can leave scars. Acne most commonly affects the face, neck, and back. It is most common among teens and preteens due to changes in body chemistry during the period of development known as puberty, but adults can also get acne. Example: My skin is naturally oily, so I have to buy a specific face wash to help keep my acne under control.

Other Word Forms

• acned
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of acne

1820–30; < New Latin < Late Greek aknás, a manuscript error for akmás, accusative plural of akmḗ facial eruption, probably to be identified with Greek akmḗ acme

Explanation

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or even a red rash to pop up on your face and sometimes your back and shoulders. Teenagers are often affected by acne, which is a real bummer when you’re trying to flirt. When you have acne, your skin is red and pimpled. Acne shows up on the face because that’s where you have more sebaceous glands, which are glands that produce oils to protect and annoy mammals. Acne also shows up on backs and shoulders, but it can really pop up anywhere on your body. Teenagers often get acne, because those fun hormonal surges of puberty cause an uptick in oil production. Adults can get acne as well. Great.

Example Sentences

The Cleveland Clinic notes that symptoms instead vary widely and can include irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, acne, hair growth or loss, infertility and metabolic complications.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

A few years later, I was managing an autoimmune condition and some stubborn cystic acne when my doctor suggested I try reducing dairy — just to see what happened.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

She has shared a before-and-after with her 59,000 followers: Her face, once splotchy with some acne scarring, is now clear, bronzed and glowing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

For women, the most common effects are excess hair growth, acne and weight gain, which are usually reversible with reduction in dosage or discontinuation.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

His chartreuse polyester pants were grotesquely tight, and his acne had only gotten worse.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan