Symptoms of Acne

Acne is a condition of the skin, which causes spots, especially on the face, shoulders and upper back. Acne tends to begin at puberty, and although most sufferers are over it within a few years, it may carry on for life. Spots form in the glands of the skin that produce protective oils (sebaceous glands). The places where the spots usually occur are the face, shoulders, and upper back.

Acne may result in small spots which known as "blackheads" (or open comedones); Small spots which are white in colour, known as "whiteheads" (or closed comedones);These may become infected by a germ or bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes) which makes the spot inflamed, and results in a larger raised spot (papule), a spot filled with pus (pustule) or a hardened lump (nodule);The largest spots are more likely to leave lasting scars.