What is Acne?

Acne can form several types of skin blemish, each with a distinct appearance and symptoms.

Most minor acne blemishes respond to at-home care and over-the-counter medications. However, people with severe or long-term acne should speak with a doctor or dermatologist.

Acne affects around 80 percent of adolescents and young adults. About 40–50 million Americans have acne at any given time.

The following are common types of blemish associated with acne:

whiteheads
blackheads
pustules, which are commonly called pimples
papules
cysts
nodules

Each type of acne lesion requires a different treatment. Receiving prompt, correct treatment can reduce the risk of long-term skin complications, such as dark spots and scarring.

Acne blemishes fall into two categories, depending on whether or not they cause inflammation of the surrounding skin.

Acne scar treatments

Soft tissue fillers. Injecting collagen or fat under the skin and into indented scars can fill out or stretch the skin. This makes the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so you would need to repeat the injections periodically.
Laser resurfacing. This is a skin procedure that uses a laser to improve the appearance of your skin.
Other energy-based procedures. Pulsed light sources and radiofrequency devices help make scars less noticeable without damaging the outer layer of skin. Results are subtle and you may need to repeat the procedure.
Surgery. Using a minor procedure called punch excision, your doctor cuts out individual acne scars and repairs the wound with stitches or a skin graft. Another technique called subcision involves your doctor inserting needles under the skin to loosen fibers below a scar, to help improve its appearance.
Botox injections. Sometimes the skin around acne scars puckers. Relaxing the area with an injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) helps improve the skin's appearance. You'd need to repeat the injections periodically.