The main signs and symptoms of acne vulgaris are inflamed and clogged hair follicles, especially on the face. They can appear in many forms and colors:
- Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open plugged pores, which appear black due to oxidized melanin)
- Papules (tender red bumps)
- Pustules (containing pus)
- Nodules (cystic lesions appearing as painful lumps beneath the skin)
Diagnosing acne vulgaris can be difficult because it is often confused with other skin conditions like angiofibroma, folliculitis, and rosacea, due to their similar signs and symptoms.