Laura Platt age 14, of Patterson, N.J., for her question:

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF ACNE?

Acne is an eruptive skin disease. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous follicles of the skin and appear most often on the face, neck and back.

Doctors suggest that treatment of acne should include strict cleanliness, maintenance of good general health, avoidance of rich and oily foods and sunlight. In some cases the doctor will prescribe antibiotics or homone therapy.

The natural secretion, or sebum, of the follicles accumulates and mixes with dust and dirt. The follicles and surrounding tissue become inflamed and blackheads appear. If the follicle openings completely close, the accumulated sebum forms an inflamed cyst.

Acne is primarily a disorder of adolescence and is related to the hormonal changes during this period.

In acne rosacea, the capillaries in the cheeks, forehead and nose are swollen with blood and the oily glands in the skin become infected. The principal cause is thought to be improper diet. Treatment is the same as for other forms of acne.