There are different ways acne can show on the skin: Acne may start as a sudden appearance of bumpy rashes with areas of reddening especially on the face. It may also appear on the chest, back, and buttocks.  A single breakout of an acne is called a comedo. However several breakouts in the same area are called comedones Comedones are basically blocked skin pores with dead skin cells, bacteria and oil, that appear as bumps. They may have the colour of your skin, or appear dark (blackheads) or white (whiteheads)  These bumps can get infected with bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes. When this happens, they become inflamed and painful as the body produces chemicals to fight the bacteria. These bumps are now called papules As the body continues to fight the bacteria, the dead bacteria and chemicals/antibodies produced collect as fluid within the bump. This fluid collection is known as pus. Acne rashes in this stage are referred to as Pustules Acne can also appear as large lumps that may be painful The acne can cause dark patches or spots on the skin, known as hyperpigmentation