Acne
/ˈæk.ni/
nounB1
Definition
Acne is a common skin problem where small red or white spots, called pimples, appear because of blocked or infected skin pores. It often happens during teenage years but can affect people at other ages too. Acne usually appears on the face, chest, or back.
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⚡ See It in Action
Skin condition with pimples and spots
- •Many teenagers have acne during puberty.
- •Using a gentle face wash can help reduce acne.
- •Acne can sometimes leave scars if not treated carefully.
Informal use to describe pimples on the skin
- •He felt embarrassed because of the acne on his nose.
- •She went to the doctor to get medicine for her acne.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "acne" like "spots" (A1 word), but these spots are caused by blocked skin pores and can be red or white and sometimes painful.
- ✓Picture small red or white bumps on a person's face or back, like tiny hills on the skin’s surface.
- ✓It’s the feeling of being uncomfortable or worried about your skin when you see pimples before an important event.
- ✓Sounds like "ACK-nee" → imagine someone saying "ack!" because they see a pimple on their face.
- ✓Think of a teenager’s skin changing during puberty, causing these bumps to appear.
- ✓NOT like "rash" (which can be many different skin problems), acne is specifically about pimples caused by blocked pores.
- ✓NOT like "freckles" (small brown spots from sun), acne spots are usually red or white and can be swollen.
- ✓NOT like "scar" (a mark left after skin heals), acne is an active skin problem, not a permanent mark.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Pimples: small raised red or white spots on the skin (Use when focusing on individual bumps rather than the whole condition)
- •Blemishes: marks or imperfections on the skin (Use when talking about less serious or smaller skin problems)
- •Breakouts: times when many pimples appear suddenly (Use when describing a sudden increase in acne)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "acne" has no clear prefix or suffix; it is a whole word by itself.
- •Etymology: From Greek "akmē," meaning "point" or "spot."
- •Historical development: The word has been used in English since the early 1600s to describe skin eruptions.
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe the skin condition with pimples, especially in teenagers but also adults.
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How do you think acne affects a person's confidence or mood during teenage years?
•What are some common ways people try to prevent or treat acne, and why do you think they work?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Acne usually appears on the ___, chest, or back where skin pores can get ___ or blocked.
2.Many teenagers get acne because of changes in their ___ during puberty.
3.When someone has acne, they often feel ___ or worried about their skin’s appearance.
4.Unlike freckles, acne spots are often ___ or white and can be ___.
5.Doctors may recommend special creams or washing routines to ___ acne.
6.A sudden increase in pimples is called an acne ___.
7.If acne is not treated carefully, it can leave ___ on the skin.