Acne, also known as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, nodules or cysts is commonly used terms for pores clogged by sebum. It may appear on shoulders, neck, chest, upper arms, upper legs, and of course, on the face.

Acne affect hundreds of millions of people across the world, and is not confined to any age group, sex or race. Most peopel have suffered from acne over extended period of time.

Although most people know what pimple is, there are other forms of acne. The simplest form is acne vulgaris, which features only comedones, the simplest of lesions.

Lesions are small patches of skin affected by skin. The term lesion is not restricted to changes produced by acne in skin tissues though.

Comedones

Acne lesions are the external form of comedones, the sebaceous follicles plugged by excess sebum.

Depending on whether the pores are open or closed, comedones are called whiteheads or blackheads. When pores openings are blocked by a mixture of sebum and keratin that is blackened at the surface, blackheads are formed. On the other hand, whiteheads are closed pores filled with the secretion of the sebaceous gland that swells underneath the tissue.

Even though the temptation to pick and squeeze Comendones are great, opening a follicle in the less than sterile conditions of your home is likely to cause infection. The openings may become an entry point for bacteria leading to infection and complications.

Papules

Small and solid, usually inflammatory elevation of the skin that does not contain pus is called papules. Caused by the tissue’s response to acne, they may also appear in clusters.

Pustules

Pustules are small inflamed elevations of the skin that are filled with pus. The pus is a combination of bacteria, white blood cells and dead skin cells. Pustules are usually formed around sebaceous follicles and hair.

Maculae

A macula is a red spot on the skin left behind by an acne lesion. Maculae are flat, red and stand out against the surrounding skin. A group of maculae gives the face an inflamed aspect.

Nodules

The nodule is a solid and one of the most painful lesions caused by acne. They tend to extend into the deeper layers of the skin and can cause tissue destruction. Very painful to remove, they may leave scars behind. Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that is treated only with isotretinonin.

Cysts

Cysts are lesions shaped like capsules and contain liquid or semi-liquid pus similar to that found in pustules. However, cysts are larger than pustules and can be infected. Cysts are also extending deeper into the skin and leave scar tissue behind. Nodulocystic acne is probably the worst type of acne known to man. It is resistant to treatment and responds only to isotretinoin, the substance obtained from Vitamin A.