What Is Acne?

In Brief acne is a term used to describe plugged pores, pimples, and deeper lumps and cysts that occur most commonly on the face, but are also known to appear on the chest, back, shoulders and other areas of the body.

There are several different types of acne which are described and explained on the right.

What is Acne?

Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring.