As many as 45 million people in the United States have to deal with acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Acne can pop up in the form of pimples and bumps anywhere your hair follicles become clogged by oil or debris. Though facial acne can be the most obvious type of acne, acne breakouts can occur anywhere on your body.
The Facts
Acne is diagnosed as mild or moderate based on a few factors. A dermatologist considers how many lesions you have, what type of lesions they are, where they are located on your body and whether your acne causes any scarring to determine the severity of your acne, explains dermatologist Jennifer M. Guss on the Baylor College of Medicine website.
Identification
If your acne covers more than a quarter of your face and body and includes a mix of papules and pustules in addition to whiteheads and blackheads, your acne is considered moderate, or Type 2 acne, according to WomensHealth.gov, an online health information resource maintained by the National Women's Health Information Center. Acne that causes scars is also considered moderate. Mild acne, also known as Type 1 acne, typically includes 30 or fewer blackheads or whiteheads, mostly located on the face, says Guss.
Considerations
Whether your acne is mild or moderate, treatments usually take six to eight weeks to effect noticeable change, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you don't see improvement after two months of regular treatment, ask your dermatologist about other treatment options.
Prevention/Solution
If you have mild acne, consistent skin care consisting of a mild cleanser and salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide lotion for active blemishes is the best treatment, according to WomensHealth.gov. If your acne is more moderate than mild, your dermatologist can prescribe antibiotics and a topical or oral retinoid to help to clear up your acne.
Warning
If you develop deep, painful acne or have a number of active breakouts on your face and body, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. If you have these symptoms, it's likely that your acne has become serious rather than mild or moderate, and you'll need professional care to avoid permanent scarring.
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