As a result, sebum, bacteria and shed skin cells escape into the surrounding tissue, forming papules, pustules and nodules that can be large and painful. This usually heals within 8 weeks. Nodular acne can result in permanent scarring. Acne consists of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and sometimes, deeper boil-like lesions called nodules. Acne can be mild, moderate or severe.
Mild acne can appear as whiteheads and blackheads or even pimples.
If you have moderate acne, you will see more pimples and pustules on your face, and possibly on your chest or back. In severe acne, you will see a lot of nodules, which are painful and large, on your face, chest, back and maybe on other areas of your body, too. It can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can be followed by scarring. Males generally have more severe acne than females because of their hormonal structure and they tend to develop acne on the back and chest.