Understanding Acne - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms?

• Persistent, recurrent red spots or swellings on the skin, generally known as pimples. These swellings may become inflamed and fill with pus. They typically appear on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, or upper portion of the back.
• Dark spots with open pores at the center are blackheads.
• Spots that bulge under the skin and have no opening are whiteheads.
• Red swellings or lumps, sometimes visibly filled with pus, are pustules, which develop from blackheads or whiteheads.
• Cysts are inflamed, fluid-filled lumps under the skin. These nodules may become as large as an inch across.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Your acne makes you unhappy or uncomfortable.
• Your acne is producing scars in addition to the acne lesions.
• Acne is causing dark patches to appear in a dark skinned individual.
• You have severe acne, which may produce cysts under the skin and persistent pimples that may become infected. A dermatologist may recommend prescription drugs to control the condition and prevent permanent scars.
• Your acne doesn't respond in two to three months to over-the-counter remedies. You may need medical treatment.