Acne most commonly develops on:
- the face – this affects almost everyone with acne
- the back – this affects over half of people with acne
- the chest – this affects about 15% of people with acne
Types of spots
Acne causes skin lesions that are commonly referred to as spots. A lesion is the medical term for damaged tissue.
There are six main types of spot caused by acne:
- Blackheads are small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin.
- Whiteheads have a similar appearance to blackheads but they can be firmer and have a white centre.
- Papules are small red bumps that may feel tender or sore.
- Pustules are similar to papules but have a white tip in the centre that is caused by a build-up of pus.
- Nodules are large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and are usually painful.
- Cysts are the most serious type of spot caused by acne. They are large, pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils. Cysts carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring.
When to seek medical advice
Even mild cases of acne can cause distress for some people. If your acne is making you feel very unhappy or you cannot control your spots with over-the-counter medication, see your GP.
Also see your GP if you develop nodules or cysts. These are usually associated with severe acne and could cause scarring if they're not properly treated.
