Not only is acne a skin problem that teenagers are likely to suffer from but there are a number of adults who will suffer from it also. The main reason why a person has acne is that their body is producing too much oil and which then causes the pores on their skin to become blocked. If left untreated not only does it look unsightly but also in some of the more severe cases can lead to permanent damage (scarring) to a person's skin. In this article we look at the main acne signs and symptoms.

In most cases the main area on which the acne is likely to appear is a person's face. However, in some cases it can also appear on their neck, chest, back or shoulders also because these areas also have glands, which are able to produce sebum. But when it comes to identifying if you have acne or not you should be looking for the following.

1. Many people will often mistake acne for some other milder form of skin complaint as they only have black or white heads appear on their skin. These eruptions to the skin known as Comedones have been caused because the openings to the follicles of their hair have become blocked. Sometimes these can be come infected and can prove even more difficult to treat.

2. The next form of acne that some people suffer from is known as Papules and which will often appear on the skin as little raised bumps. These are often formed around the hair follicles on the skin, which have become infected and inflamed and will not only be tender to touch by red in color.

3. The next form of acne that you may suffer from is similar in looks to the Papules but has a white tip to them (should not be mistaken for white heads). This white tip is made up of pus that contains bacteria that if allowed to come into contact with other areas of your skin can cause further eruptions of the acne. These particular spots are more commonly referred to as Pustules.

4. The next type of symptom that forms on the skin of acne suffering is large solid lumps known as Nodules, which form underneath the skins surface. As well as being large and unsightly these are also painful as well and have been caused because oil and other secretions have been able to build up deep within the hairs follicles.

5. Finally there are cysts these again are painful and are similar in appearance to nodules but they are also filled with pus. The biggest problem a person faces if they have this kind of acne symptom is that they can lead to scarring.

If you choose to leave the acne untreated this can not only lead to further outbreaks, but may well also lead to more serious damage to your skin as well. If at any time you notice you are suffering from certain acne signs and symptoms then it is advisable to seek medical assistance as soon as you can. A doctor may well find that there is some other underlying cause for your problem and this will also need to be treated along with the acne.