Acne is a disorder of the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands) that results in plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting for people who suffer from the disorder.

Common Over-the-Counter Topical Medications Used To Treat Acne
Generic Name	Common Brand Names*
• Benzoyl peroxide cream, gel, lotion, or soap	• Clearasil, Fostex, PanOxyl Dryox,   Persa-Gel
• Salicylic acid	• PROPApH, Stridex, Oxy Night Watch,   Clearasil Clearstick Maximum Strength
• Sulfur	• Sulpho-Lac Acne Medication, Liquimat,   Therac Lotion, Sulmasque
• Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur	• Dryox 10S, Dryox 20S 10, Sulfoxyl
• Sulfur and resorcinol	• Sulforcin Lotion, Rezamid Lotion, Acnomel Cream

*Brand names included in this fact sheet are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that these products are endorsed by the National Institutes of Health or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular brand name is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.