According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin disorder, and it affects up to 50 million people in the United States each year. Most people develop acne symptoms as teenagers, but it can also develop in adulthood. The AAD estimates that 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 have at least minor acne.

But what exactly is acne? It’s an inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin’s hair follicles and oil glands. The acne symptoms you develop are determined by the type of acne you have, and it can form on many areas of the body, including your face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Some people may have only mild whiteheads or blackheads, but others may develop large, painful lumps that form deep under the skin.

Types of Acne

Acne can show up in many forms, and understanding what you’re dealing with is the first step toward effective treatment. Here are the most common types:

• Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
  Whiteheads are clogged pores that form when oil and dead skin cells get trapped beneath the skin’s surface. They appear as small, white bumps and can occur on the face, neck, chest, or back.
  
• Blackheads (Open Comedones)
  Blackheads occur when a pore is clogged but remains open. The surface of the clogged pore darkens due to oxidation, creating the characteristic black appearance.
  
• Papules
  These are small, raised red bumps that form when hair follicles become inflamed. They can be tender to the touch and often occur in clusters.
  
• Pustules
  Pustules are similar to papules but are filled with pus. They tend to be larger, inflamed, and more noticeable, often appearing as red, swollen bumps with a white or yellow center.
  
• Nodules
  Nodules are large, painful, solid lumps that develop deep beneath the skin. They can take longer to heal and may leave scars if not treated properly.
  
• Cystic Acne
  Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. It involves large, painful, pus-filled cysts that form deep under the skin. Cystic acne often results in scarring and requires more intensive treatment.

How Is Acne Treated?

Acne treatment varies for each person and depends on the type of acne you have and its severity. If you have whiteheads or blackheads, your dermatologist may recommend products containing salicylic acid or topical retinoids derived from vitamin A, such as tretinoin (Retin-A) or adapalene (Differin). Treatments containing these ingredients work by exfoliating the skin and encouraging cell turnover, removing dead skin cells before they can clog your pores. If you have multiple whiteheads in one spot, you can also use an acne spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide.

If you have pimples and blemishes, your dermatologist may recommend products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for acne treatment. These products are usually applied to your entire face, although some are designed for acne spot treatment. In addition to fighting inflammation and controlling oil production, products with these ingredients can treat existing acne and prevent new blemishes from forming.

For larger pustules and papules, your dermatologist will likely prescribe an acne medication, such as an oral antibiotic, to treat bacteria and soothe inflammation.

This is especially helpful if you have acne on other parts of your body, such as your back, chest, or neck, since widespread acne is easier to treat with prescription medication. Products containing benzoyl peroxide can also be an effective acne treatment for pustules and papules.

Severe acne, such as nodules and cysts, can only be treated by a dermatologist and a prescription acne medication. Many dermatologists prescribe isotretinoin for people who have nodules and cysts. This is an oral retinoid that inhibits the growth of bacteria, reduces oil products, and soothes inflamed skin, helping it heal.

Since hormones also play a role in the development of acne, especially for women, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to control and treat acne. Research has shown that birth control pills are just as effective as oral antibiotics for treating acne in women.