Health Conditions

What are the symptoms?

Most dermatologists consider an outbreak of more than 5 to 10 lesions in one area at one time to be acne. Different types of lesions can occur. A person may even experience more than one type of lesion at the same time. Below is a list and a description of the different types of lesions.

Noninflammatory Lesions

1. Blackheads or open comedones. Blackheads result when sebum (oil) and skin cells become clogged in the sebaceous hair follicle. They appear to be black in color.

2. Whiteheads or closed comedones. Whiteheads result when the sebaceous follicle is completely clogged with sebum and skin cells. They appear to be either white or skin colored, hence the name "whiteheads." Whiteheads can form as small bumps on top of the skin or under the skin.

Inflammatory Lesions

1. Papules are small, firm, red-colored lesions. Although they may contain pus, is not easily seen because of the redness. Papules often continue to grow in size and become pustules.

2. Pustules are small papules but they are round, red, swollen, and contain pus. Although they contain pus, they generally don't have a lot of bacteria inside.

3. Nodules also referred to as cysts. Oftentimes, nodules are very red, swollen, and contain a large amount of pus. They develop deep in the skin and may be painful. Unlike the other types of lesions, upon healing, nodules generally leave scars.

Based on the type and number of lesions present, a doctor or dermatologist can classify acne as mild, moderate or severe.

You should see your doctor or dermatologist if any of the following apply to you:

• A lesion or nodule becomes infected, turns purple in color, increases in size, becomes painful, or does not get better with self treatment
• A scar develops following healing
• Acne interferes with your normal daily routine or makes you feel embarrassed or depressed
• Acne leads to dark patches on the skin (this is more common in people with dark skin)