The first sign of acne is comedones. They appear most often on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Bacteria populations can grow quickly in comedones. If the follicle wall ruptures, an inflammatory lesion develops. Redness, swelling, and pus-filled lesions accompany infection.
Inflammation that persists can result in the formation of a large, often painful acne cyst or nodule (collection of inflammatory cells). When a cyst heals, it can leave a pitted, discolored scar, known as a pockmark. Scars can be treated with dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or collagen injection.
Dermatologists diagnose acne by its appearance. Treatments vary depending on the severity of symptoms.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Sep 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed:
Acne, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis reprinted with permission from dermatologychannel.net
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