This month, I will be discussing acneic skin.  We are all affected by it whether you are a teenager or in your 50's.  Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by macules, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.  The nodule and cystic type acne has a great potential of forming permanent scarring.  Nodules are deep-seated palpable lesions that can last eight weeks or longer.  They are usually red, hard and painful lesions that develop into softer fluid containing cysts.  Cysts are deep, serious lesions that require the attention of a dermatologist.   

The peak acne years are 14-17 in females and 16-19 in males and a slow resolution occurs during the 20's, but at least 5% of females and 1% of males will still be affected well into their 40's and 50's.  Comedones (blackheads) can appear as early as age 8 or 9.