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Understanding Acne - Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Acne?
- 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.
- White 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 About Acne 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. 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.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Norman Levine, MD on November 10, 2008
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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