Acne (also called pimples) is a common condition, particularly in teenagers. It can also occasionally affect middle-aged people and babies. It often causes a lot of worry and distress but can usually be cleared up, or at least improved a lot, with the right treatment. The treatment can take about a month to work and you may need to continue it for a while, even after the spots have cleared.

Signs and symptoms

• Adverse social and psychological effects.
• Open and closed uninflamed comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)
• Inflamed papules and pustules
• In severe acne, nodules and pseudocysts
• Post-inflammatory erythematous or pigmented macules and scars

When to see a doctor?

If self-care remedies don't clear your acne, see your primary care doctor. He or she can prescribe stronger medications. If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in the skin (dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist).

For many women, acne can persist for decades, with flares common a week before menstruation. This type of acne tends to clear up without treatment in women who use contraceptives.

In older adults, a sudden onset of severe acne may signal an underlying disease requiring medical attention.

https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/acne

https://patient.info/skin-conditions/acne-leaflet

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047://www.vcuhealth.org/-/media/media/file/radiology_varicoseveinspatientinfo_march2019_webaccess.ashx