Your body sends in certain specialized cells that invade the follicle to help clean it up. However, in the process, the wall of the follicle may weaken and rupture, emptying the contents of the follicle into the surrounding tissue. When this occurs, swelling or redness can develop around the affected follicle, resulting in the larger bumps or pimples characteristic of moderate to severe acne. These are known as papules and pustules and can sometimes cause scarring.

From the beginning until its disappearance, the lifecycle of a pimple can take eight weeks. And it can take even longer for the darkened spots left by some acne pimples to fade completely. Watch a short animation on the lifecycle of a pimple.

Is your acne mild or severe?

Almost everyone experiences some pimples, especially during adolescence. Mild acne can sometimes be treated successfully with over-the-counter creams and cleansers — but not always. Acne is considered mild if only the face is affected, the blemishes are mostly whiteheads and blackheads, and papules or pustules are uncommon. (Papules are large, red, painful blemishes that do not contain pus; pustules are similar to papules but contain pus.)

When several papules and pustules are present, there is the greater risk for scarring. Acne this severe should definitely be seen by a doctor or dermatologist. If you are experiencing numerous breakouts or have acne on the chest and/or back, don't wait — consult a doctor or dermatologist. It's important to get to the root of the problem with effective treatment in order to prevent scarring and help you feel confident about your appearance.

To help determine if what you have is acne, and whether it’s mild or severe, check out our Self-Assess Your Skin Tool.

Need a dermatologist? Locate one in your area with the DermFinder.