Acne Excoriée:
Information for adults

Acne excoriée, also known as "picker's acne," results when acne lesions are compulsively squeezed and scratched, resulting in scabs and scars. It is seen most commonly in adolescent girls and has been thought to be associated with underlying depression, anxiety, or emotional problems.

Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is thought to be caused by multiple factors. Overproduction of a normal oil on the skin, called sebum, increases under the influence of hormones. This, coupled with insufficient shedding of exfoliating dead skin cells, plugs hair follicles. The plugged follicle can become inflamed and have increased growth of normal skin bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. Medications such as lithium, cortisone, hormones, iodides, some seizure medications, or isoniazid can also cause acne lesions.

Acne can result in permanent scarring, so minimizing breakouts is important.