According to the severity of your skin condition, Acne signs vary:

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules)
• Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)

These signs normally appears on face, shoulders back, chest and forehead

Firstly you need to do some care at home by your own self. In case the home care is not covering the acne you can visit a doctor for medication. In case, the medication is not covering your acne issues, you can seek treatment from a skin specialist doctor.

In many cases, acne can be persistent for years. But in some cases it disappears within a week. There are some non-prescribe lotions which can be very harmful for your skin. To avoid any injury, you need to use only doctor’s recommended lotions.

If you are facing difficulty in breathing, faintness, swellings of eye, lips, face or tongue and tightness of throat for using any skin lotion, you need to seek medical emergency

Acne issues occur due to bacteria, inflammation, and excess of oil production and when hair follicles collaged by oils and dead cells of skin. These acne usually appears on face, forehead, and upper shoulder and on chest.

Acne treatment varies based on the severity and type of acne. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the treatments available:

 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
1. Benzoyl Peroxide:
   - Forms: Gels, creams, cleansers.
   - Action: Kills bacteria and reduces oil production.
   - Usage: Apply to affected areas once or twice daily.

2. Salicylic Acid:
   - Forms: Cleansers, toners, spot treatments.
   - Action: Exfoliates the skin, helps unclog pores.
   - Usage: Use once or twice daily.

3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs):
   - Examples: Glycolic acid, lactic acid.
   - Action: Exfoliates the skin, reduces inflammation.
   - Usage: Use as directed, usually once daily.

4. Sulfur:
   - Forms: Masks, spot treatments.
   - Action: Removes dead skin cells, reduces oil.
   - Usage: Apply to affected areas as needed.

 Prescription Topical Treatments
1. Retinoids:
   - Examples: Tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene.
   - Action: Promotes cell turnover, prevents clogged pores.
   - Usage: Apply in the evening, initially every other night to reduce irritation.

2. Topical Antibiotics:
   - Examples: Clindamycin, erythromycin.
   -  Action: Reduces bacteria and inflammation.
   - Usage: Apply once or twice daily.

3. Combination Treatments:
   - Examples: Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin (Benzaclin), benzoyl peroxide and adapalene (Epiduo).
   - Action: Combines multiple mechanisms to fight acne.
   - Usage: Follow the prescribed regimen.

 Prescription Oral Medications
1. Antibiotics:
   - Examples: Doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline.
   - Action: Reduces bacteria and inflammation.
   - Usage: Typically used for moderate to severe acne for a limited duration.

2. Hormonal Treatments:
   - Examples: Birth control pills, spironolactone.
   - Action: Regulates hormones that contribute to acne.
   - Usage: Especially useful for women with hormonal acne.

3. Isotretinoin (Accutane):
   - Action: Drastically reduces oil production, shrinks sebaceous glands.
   - Usage: Used for severe, treatment-resistant acne. Requires close monitoring due to potential side effects.

 In-Office Procedures
1. Chemical Peels:
   - Action: Uses acids to exfoliate the top layer of skin.
   - Benefits: Reduces blackheads, whiteheads, and acne scars.

2. Laser and Light Therapy:
   - Examples: Blue light therapy, laser resurfacing.
   - Action: Kills bacteria, reduces oil production, improves skin texture.
   - Benefits: Effective for inflammatory acne and scarring.

3. Microneedling:
   - Action: Tiny needles create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production.
   - Benefits: Improves acne scars and overall skin texture.

4. Extraction:
   - Action: Manual removal of blackheads and whiteheads.
   - Benefits: Immediate improvement in clogged pores.

5. Steroid Injections:
   - Action: Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation.
   - Benefits: Quickly reduces the size and pain of cysts and nodules.

 Lifestyle and Home Remedies
1. Gentle Skincare Routine:
   - Use a mild cleanser twice daily.
   - Avoid scrubbing the skin too harshly.

2. Non-Comedogenic Products:
   - Choose skincare and makeup products labeled as non-comedogenic.

3. Diet and Hydration:
   - Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
   - Drink plenty of water.

4. Stress Management:
   - Practice stress-relief techniques like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.

 When to See a Dermatologist
- If OTC treatments are not effective after several weeks.
- If you experience severe acne, painful cysts, or nodules.
- If acne causes emotional distress or affects your self-esteem.
- If you develop scarring from acne.

 Personalized Treatment Plan
Consulting a dermatologist is crucial for creating a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of the above treatments. They can also provide guidance on managing side effects and monitoring progress.

Diet can play a role in managing acne, and certain foods may help improve skin health and reduce acne symptoms. Here are some dietary tips and foods to consider while undergoing acne treatment:

 Foods to Include
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 
   - Sources: Fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts.
   - Benefits: Reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

2. Antioxidant-Rich Foods:
   - Sources: Berries (blueberries, strawberries), dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), nuts, seeds, dark chocolate (in moderation).
   - Benefits: Protect skin from damage and reduce inflammation.

3. Probiotics:
   - Sources: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, miso.
   - Benefits: Improve gut health, which can positively impact skin health.

4. Whole Grains:
   - Sources: Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat, oats, barley.
   - Benefits: Maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.

5. Low-Glycemic Index (GI) Foods:
   - Sources: Non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens), legumes (beans, lentils), most fruits (apples, pears, berries), nuts.
   - Benefits: Prevent spikes in blood sugar levels that can trigger acne.

6. Zinc-Rich Foods:
   - Sources: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, beef, poultry, shellfish.
   - Benefits: Support immune function and reduce inflammation.

7. Vitamin A-Rich Foods:
   - Sources: Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, red bell peppers.
   - Benefits: Promote healthy skin cell turnover and reduce acne.

8. Vitamin E-Rich Foods:
   - Sources: Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), seeds (sunflower seeds), spinach, broccoli, avocado.
   - Benefits: Protect skin cells from damage and support skin healing.

9. Vitamin C-Rich Foods:
   - Sources: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi.
   - Benefits: Promote collagen production and help heal acne lesions.

10. Green Tea:
    - Benefits: Contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

 Foods to Limit or Avoid
1. High-Glycemic Index Foods:
   - Examples: Sugary snacks and beverages, white bread, white rice, pastries, processed cereals.
   - Impact: Can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to increased sebum production and acne.

2. Dairy Products:
   - Examples: Milk, cheese, yogurt.
   - Impact: Some studies suggest a link between dairy consumption and increased acne, possibly due to hormones in milk.

3. Processed and High-Sugar Foods:
   - Examples: Fast food, chips, candy, soda.
   - Impact: Can lead to inflammation and worsen acne.

4. Excessive Fats and Oils:
   - Examples: Fried foods, fatty meats, heavy cream.
   - Impact: Can contribute to increased sebum production and inflammation.

5. Chocolate:
   - Impact: Some individuals may find that chocolate worsens their acne, though the evidence is mixed.

 General Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
- Balanced Diet: Focus on a well-rounded diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Avoid Crash Diets: Sudden changes in diet can affect skin health and overall wellness.

 Consultation
- Dietitian or Nutritionist: Consider consulting with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized diet plan that supports your acne treatment and overall health.

Acne is a condition of the skin that is the result of the plugging of oils and dead cells in hair follicles. It may cause pimples of white and black colours. It is a very common issue among youngsters and can occur in all ages. Its effective treatment is now available, but it may be permanent. This type of pimple heals slowly. Acne can cause distress and scarring on the skin.