Acne: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne is a skin condition that has a number of symptoms. It is not just limited to the red spots we know as pimples, but also includes a number of different skin irritations. These can occur all over the body, including the face, which is the most common location, as well as the legs, arms, back, shoulders and buttocks.

Common symptoms of acne

• Common signs and symptoms of acne include:
• Blackheads (open pores that fill with dead skin cells)
• Cysts (lesions that occur when a pore fills with oil, dirt and bacteria and goes deep into the skin, causing irritation)
• Nodules (hard, large bumps under the surface of the skin)
• Pustules (commonly called pimples; clogged, pus-filled pores)
• Redness
• Scarring
• Whiteheads (closed pores that are filled with dead skin cells)

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

Acne is rarely a serious condition. However, if infection spreads or worsens after scratching or attempting to disrupt or pop pimples, it is possible to develop a deeper or more widespread infection of the skin. Seek prompt medical care if you, or someone you are with, have these symptoms:

• Generalized swelling, redness, or warmth of the skin
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)