What is Acne?

Acne, a term used for complexion problems - pimples, zits, blackheads, and so on, is one of the most common of all skin problems. It affects most teenagers to some degree and even many adults.

Acne shows up as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and, in some people, deep painful bumps that look and feel like boils. Acne most commonly occurs on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, shoulders, and neck.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Blackheads (black spots the size of a pinhead).
• Whiteheads (white spots similar to blackheads).
• Pustules (small pus-filled lesions).
• Cysts (larger and firm swellings) and abscesses (swollen and inflamed areas with pus) with severe acne.
• Redness and inflammation around eruptions.
   

You are definitely not the only one with acne. It is estimated that as many as 70 million people suffer from acne, so you are not alone. In most people, acne clears up after a few years. But at its worst, acne can cause permanent scarring of the skin. And even when there are few physical marks left, the emotional ones can be devastating.