The symptoms of acne depend on whether it is non-inflammatory or inflammatory.

Non-inflammatory acne, which affects the majority of people, usually involves just a few whiteheads and blackheads on the face (comedomes). 

With Inflammatory acne whiteheads become inflamed, pimples (pustules) develop, and, in the most severe cases, it can cause

•  disfiguring cysts and nodules
• hyperpigmentation (brown discoloration)
• deep, pitting scars of the face, neck, back, chest and groin.

Inflammatory acne is considered severe and should be treated by a dermatologist, while non-inflammatory acne is considered mild.