Which skin condition is characterized by red, inflamed pimples? Acne is the answer.
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that develops when hair follicles become blocked by sebum, dead skin cells, and cellular debris. The blockage can form a comedo, such as a blackhead or whitehead; inflammation can then produce red papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts. Acne most often affects the face, chest, and back.
Hormonal changes during puberty commonly increase sebum production, but acne is not limited to teenagers. Adult acne can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, genetics, certain medicines, cosmetics, and friction or pressure on the skin. The bacterium Cutibacterium acnes can contribute to inflammation inside blocked follicles, but acne is not simply caused by poor hygiene.
Rosacea is the closest listed source of confusion because it can also cause facial redness and bumps. Unlike acne, rosacea typically centers on persistent facial flushing and may involve the nose and cheeks; blackheads are not its defining feature. Eczema and psoriasis are inflammatory conditions too, but their usual lesions and patterns differ from acne.