Comedones


Permanent scarring may follow a severe case of acne. Men are more often affected on their shoulders and back than are women.



Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that can cause pitting and scarring. There are several large cysts on the cheek and forehead, with many smaller pustules. Preventing new lesions and limiting the amount of scarring are the primary goals of treatment.



Cystic acne: In this more severe form of acne multiple deep "cysts" develop on the face, chest or back. Because of the deeper inflammation the tendency for scarring is increased.



Pustular acne: In this form of acne the inflammation is more superficial, producing pustules, or white heads, on the skin. It is more commonly seen in teenagers and is often associated with small, blocked pores (closed comedones) and black-heads (open comedones).



Acne lesions frequently contain pus. This close-up photograph shows small acne pustules with surrounding inflammation (erythema).



The second stage of acne rosacea produces characteristic redness (erythema) and telangiectasias (vascular lesions). Only some people in the second stage of rosacea develop raised bumps (papules) and pustules, as seen on the face of this individual. If the rosacea continues to the fourth stage, it is called rhinophyma.



Blackheads are collections of oil and debris that clog pores. The material is normally whitish, but as it oxidizes, the surface turns black, producing this characteristic appearance.



Blackheads are collections of oil and debris that clog pores. The material is normally whitish, but if it's exposed to air, the surface turns black (oxidizes), producing this characteristic appearance.



This picture illustrates how acne can appear on the face of darker-complected individuals.



Cystic acne may occur across the upper chest as well as on the back.



The face is the most common location of acne. Here, there are 4 to 6 millimeter red (erythematous) pustules, some with bridging scars and fistulous tract formation (connecting passages). Severe acne may have a profound psychological impact and may cause scarring. Effective treatments are available for this type of acne.



Acne frequently occurs on the back. Here, there are 2 to 6 millimeter wide erythematous (red) pustules with large open and closed comedones. Permanent scarring may follow a severe case of acne. Men are more often affected on their shoulders and back than are women.



Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne. Both pustules and hard red bumps are present in the skin. This form of acne is more difficult to treat and often requires taking an oral vitamin A derivative.



Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne. Both pustules and red bumps are present in the skin and scarring can be seen. The back is a common site for acne.