Breakout! Welcome to the not-so-wonderful world of pimples.(YOUR BODY)

Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication, February, 2008 by Siu, Tammy

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Acne, blackheads, blemishs, cysts, pimples, whiteheads, zits. Call them whatever you like, but the name still doesn't change the fact that these unsightly, embarrassing (and sometimes painful) bumps on the skin are a problem that affects more than 80 percent of teens. Current Health presents an up-close look at this frustrating condition.

Why Acne Strikes

Despite all the theories and myths about who gets acne and why (see "Fact Versus Fiction"), doctors agree on two main reasons people break out: genetics (your family's tendency toward certain characteristics) and hormones (chemicals that tell parts of the body what to do). Michael C., 16, from Millburn, N.J., lucked out in the gene pool. "Good skin runs in my family,...