Acne (Acne Vulgaris/ Cystic Acne) - The most common skin disease addressed by dermatologists

What is acne?

This is a condition presenting unsightly red and swollen follicles that we call pimples.   Acne affects ~85% of the population at some time in their life, including adults. Most teens get the type of acne called acne vulgaris, which can appear on face, neck, shoulders, back and chest (these are the locations where most sebum-secreting sebaceous glands are found). Appearing on the face as it does, it obviously causes its owner significant psychological stress.

Acne can be a chronic problem - sometimes lasting several years

Types of acne "lumps and bumps"

Plugged follicles

• Whitehead (Closed comedone).  Clogged follicle; usually small, round, white bumps on skin.
• Blackhead (Open comedone).   Plugged follicle that opens and turns dark at the surface of the skin; the black is not indicative of dirt.

Inflammatory lesions

Occurs when comedones rupture, spreading bacteria with associated inflammation:

• Papules.    inflamed lesions; seen as small, pink bumps on the skin.
• Pustules (pimples).   Inflamed pus-filled lesions; red at their base.
• Cysts and nodules.   Large, inflamed, pus-filled lesions deep under the skin; can cause pain and scarring.