What is acne? Acne is a term used for clogged pores, pimples, and sometimes deeper lumps (referred to as cysts or nodules). Most of these result on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. While acne is usually relegated to the teenage population, adults of any age can get acne. Acne is not life threatening, but can cause permanent scarring and emotional distress if not treated properly.

Can acne be treated? With the proper care, physician supervision, and common sense, acne is treatable from mild cases to the very severe. Here is a glossary of terms to help understand the various stages and classifications of acne needed to properly treat acne.

• Blackhead. A non-inflammatory acne lesion that is filled with excess oil and dead skin cells.

• Comedo (plural: comedones). The common acne lesion (whiteheads and blackheads).

• Nodule. A severe acne lesion identified by its large, pus-filled, sometimes painful lump.

• Papule. A small, red, inflamed comedo.

• Pustule. An inflammatory comedo that resembles a whitehead with a ring of redness around it.

• Sebaceous glands. This is where acne begins, at the root of a hair follicle on the face, neck, back and chest.

• Sebum. The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands.

• Whiteheads. An acne lesion that forms when oil and skin cells block the opening of a hair follicle.