What causes acne?

Rising hormone levels during puberty may cause acne. In addition, acne is often inherited. Other causes of acne may include the following:
hormone level changes during the menstrual cycle in women
certain drugs (such as corticosteroids, lithium, and barbiturates)
oil and grease from the scalp, mineral or cooking oil, and certain cosmetics may worsen acne
bacteria inside pimples
Acne can be aggravated by squeezing the pimples or by scrubbing the skin too hard.

What are the symptoms of acne?
Acne can occur anywhere on the body. However, acne most often appears in areas where there is a high concentration of sebaceous glands, including the following:
face
chest
upper back
shoulders
neck
The following are the most common symptoms of acne. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
blackheads
whiteheads
pus-filled lesions that may be painful
nodules (solid, raised bumps)
The symptoms of acne may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.