Not only is acne a skin problem that teenagers are likely to suffer from but there are a number of adults who will suffer from it also. The main reason why a person has acne is that their body is producing too much oil and which then causes the pores on their skin to become blocked. If left untreated not only does it look unsightly but also in some of the more severe cases can lead to permanent damage (scarring) to a person’s skin. In this article we look at the main acne signs and symptoms.

In most cases acne normally appears on a person’s face, but it can also appear on their chest, neck, shoulders and back as well. These are all areas of their body where they have glands that can produce oil. When it does appear acne can take various different forms and below we describe what these are.

1. In most cases the first sign of acne is when white head or black heads begin to erupt on the person’s skin. Known as Comedones by medical professionals these are produced at the hair follicle openings that will have become blocked because the body is secreting too much oil and this prevents dead skin cells from leaving the body. Also there is an increased risk that these can become infected as bacteria may well be prevented from being eliminated from the body also.

2. The next form of acne that some people suffer from is known as Papules and which will often appear on the skin as little raised bumps. These are often formed around the hair follicles on the skin, which have become infected and inflamed and will not only be tender to touch by red in color.

3. Pustules are similar in shape and size to papules but along with being red and tender to touch they will contain a white area at the tip, which is made up of pus. It is this which if allowed to escape can cause the acne to occur else where on the body.

4. The next type of symptom that forms on the skin of acne suffering is large solid lumps known as Nodules, which form underneath the skins surface. As well as being large and unsightly these are also painful as well and have been caused because oil and other secretions have been able to build up deep within the hairs follicles.

5. The final form of acne that some people may well suffer from and which is the worse of all the symptoms is the Cysts. These just like the Nodules are large and painful but contain large amounts of pus (containing bacteria) as well. If left untreated then these can cause further permanent damage (scarring) to that person’s skin.

If you choose to leave the acne untreated this can not only lead to further outbreaks, but may well also lead to more serious damage to your skin as well. If at any time you notice you are suffering from certain acne signs and symptoms then it is advisable to seek medical assistance as soon as you can. A doctor may well find that there is some other underlying cause for your problem and this will also need to be treated along with the acne.