Acne is the term for an uncomfortable inflammation of the skin, which may also cause itching, discomfort, and pain. It is caused by the sebum glands excreting too much sebum, and thereby blocking the skin's pores, and therefore creating the symptoms of acne. However, acne is not only found on the face, contrary to belief. It can also be seen on many parts of the body's skin, such as the chest, legs, back, or neck. It is caused by many factors, which include allergic reactions to skin products, stress, changes of hormones, or medicinereactions. The severity of acne differs greatly, as much as the many places that acne can appear on the body.

Symptoms of Acne

Acne sufferers see a wide range of symptoms, which may include physical inflammation, discomfort, and redness. In many cases, physical symptoms are not the only factor, but acne can also cause a person to feel low self-esteem or even enter depression. Because of the hormonal changes that are observed during pregnancy, pregnancy acne is commonly seen in the first trimester of pregnancy, and sometimes disappears further into the pregnancy, since the levels of estrogen rise.

Acne is also seen in babies, which is caused by the hormonal changes in the mother, and that cause is an excess of sebum to be excreted by the baby.

Acne is also seen on the back, in varying severities. In a mild form of acting on the back, the infection is seen very close to the skin's surface, and commonly is seen in the form of pustules. Cysts may form on the back in the most severe cases of back acne.

There is also acne seen on the scalp, which comes in many types, and also varies in severity. Small zits or pimples are usually seen on the scalp line in mild forms of scalp acne, but severe forms may be painful and seen in the form of large pustules which appear to be black in color.

Painful cysts may appear in cases of body acne, but the most common form of acne on the body are pimples.

However, no matter what acne type a person has, it should never be ignored. There are many treatments available for acne, some of which include appointments that are available over-the-counter. Usually, mild acne can be treated by these appointments. But, if results are not seen by over-the-counter creams, then you should see a dermatologist as early as possible before the condition gets worse.