No, acne is not a virus.
Acne is a common skin condition caused primarily by a combination of factors, including:
- Excess oil production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores.
- Clogged hair follicles: Dead skin cells aren't shed properly and accumulate in hair follicles, mixing with sebum.
- Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin. When hair follicles become clogged, these bacteria can multiply and cause inflammation. The disruption of normal skin flora contributes to the overgrowth of C. acnes.
- Inflammation: The presence of bacteria and clogged follicles triggers inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and pain associated with acne.
Acne is not contagious. Although there are skin conditions that can mimic acne symptoms that may be contagious, acne itself is not caused by a virus, fungus, or other contagious agent. It is due to the factors described above.
In summary, acne is a complex condition involving oil, dead skin cells, bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), and inflammation, but it is not caused by a virus.
