Acne - Symptoms

The six main types of acne are –

Whiteheads

• Mild form of acne that appear as small, round, white bumps on the skin’s surface
• Occurs when a pore becomes clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and debris.

Blackheads

• Blackheads are small black bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles
• Usually seen on face but can also appear on back, chest, neck, arms, and shoulders.

Papules

• Small red bumps
• Feel tender or sore.

Pustules

• Red pimples similar to papules
• Filled with pus in the centre.

Nodules

• Large and hard pimples deep in the skin
• Painful.

Cysts

• Most severe form of acne
• Deep, pus-filled pimples similar to boils
• Risk of permanent scars.

Social impact of acne

Acne can have a significant impact on one’s outlook towards life, which people have started paying more attention to nowadays. A large number of studies are conducted on acne to examine its psychological impact, namely:

• reduced self-esteem;
• social withdrawal;
• poor body image;
• low self-confidence;
• depression;
• anger and frustration; and
• preoccupation with one’s physical appearance.

These are often interlinked, and can progressively worsen if not treated in time. The presence of these conditions often prevents patients from pursuing opportunities at their workplace or in their personal lives.

The treatment of acne patients must, therefore, target not only the eruptions, but also look at improving their self-esteem.