ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a condition that affects the skin, which is the stuff that covers our bodies. You know how sometimes you get those little red bumps on your face? That's acne!

Beneath our skin, we have tiny little holes called pores. These pores have hair and something called sebaceous glands. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is good because it helps keep our skin nice and soft. But sometimes, it can be a little too much.

When we get acne, it's because these pores get clogged. This usually happens when our bodies are going through changes, like when we are growing older. Sometimes, our bodies make too much sebum, and it mixes with dead skin cells. These dead skin cells and extra oil clog up the pores, and that's when acne pops up.

The clogged pore becomes a little bump on our skin, and it can be red, swollen, and sometimes even painful. These bumps are called pimples or zits. They can show up on our face, but also on our back or chest.

It's important to remember that having acne doesn't mean we aren't taking care of our skin properly or that we are dirty. It's a natural part of growing up for many of us. Our bodies are just trying to adjust to these changes happening inside of us.

Now, some remedies can help with acne. The most important thing is to keep our skin clean. We can gently wash our face twice a day with mild soap and warm water. This can help remove the extra oil and dead skin cells from our pores.

It's also essential not to touch or squeeze our pimples. I know it can be tempting, but doing that can make things worse and even leave scars on our skin. So let's try to avoid doing that!

If we're struggling with acne and it's bothering us, we can always go to a doctor. They can give us advice on what to do and help us find a treatment that works for us. They may suggest using special creams, gels, or even medication that can help clear up our acne.

So, don't worry if you have acne. It's a common thing that happens to many people. Just remember to keep your skin clean, be patient, and talk to your doctor if you need some extra help.