Acne generally responds well to treatment after a few weeks, but may flare up from time to time. Acne is not medically dangerous except for untreated, severe infection. Scarring may occur if severe acne is not treated. Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if there are signs of complications or if acne is severe and progressively worsening. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if new symptoms develop, including large or painful cysts .
Blackheads are collections of oil and debris that clog pores.
The material is normally whitish, but as it oxidizes, the surface turns black, producing this characteristic appearance. Blackheads are collections of oil and debris that clog pores. This picture illustrates how acne can appear on the face of darker-complected individuals. Cystic acne may occur across the upper chest as well as on the back. The face is the most common location of acne.