Acne | Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms
Acne can cause:
* Pimples or white with black spots (blackheads) comedones are enlarged hair follicles filled with sebum. Blackheads are comedones that have opened to the surface of the skin. The color of the sebum makes them look black. The white dots are comedones that are closed to the surface.
* Barros (pustules): These are inflamed hair follicles. The bacteria multiply in the follicle, which attracts infection-fighting cells, which release substances that cause irritation and redness. Then the follicle bursts, spilling its contents onto the surrounding skin, and this causes more inflammation.
* Nodules and cysts: These are larger infections of hair follicles that extend deeper into the skin, forming firm, deep bumps and swelling. Like pimples are caused by excessive production of sebum and bacteria growth that causes irritation and redness.
In women and girls, acne often intensifies at certain times of the menstrual cycle.
Diagnosis
Generally, your doctor can diagnose acne based on a simple physical examination. Seek comedones, pimples, nodules and cysts on his face, chest, back, upper arms and shoulders. It also will ask about your medical history to try to identify contributing factors. Ask about your menstrual cycle, hair growth patterns, cosmetics, facial cleansers and medications.
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