Acne & Acne Scars in Rockford, IL

What Is Acne?

Inflammatory acne develops when the bacteria get trapped inside pores and become infected, red, and swollen. Varieties of inflammatory acne include:

• Cysts: deep, painful, pus-filled lumps embedded beneath the surface of the skin; most severe
• Papules: small, tender bumps caused by bacteria, oil, and dead cells get pushed into the skin and cause inflammation
• Nodules: painfully solid, large lumps that form beneath the skin’s surface
• Pustules: pus-filled, often yellow-centered papules

Aside from inflammatory acne, there is comedonal acne, which develops when a pore becomes clogged with oil and dead skin. This type of acne can include:

• Whiteheads: clogged, closed pores that can become inflammatory acne if left untreated.
• Blackheads: clogged pores where trapped oil is oxidized by air and appears black.