By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States. It causes a great deal of psychological stress for teens but explained in medical terms it is an acute inflammatory skin disease.

It doesn’t discriminate. There are 40 to 50 million people of all ages and races.

Years ago there were very few treatments, but today there are creams and topical treatments, antibiotic treatments and oral isotretinoin also called Accutane. Laser and light treatments have also become popular as effective treatments.

The bottom line is that a diagnosis needs to be made early on and a careful approach to treatment should be started.