What common characteristic is associated with grade 4 acne?

Grade 4 acne is characterized by numerous pustules and cysts, which represent the most severe form of acne. This severity occurs when the skin is deeply affected, leading to painful, inflamed lesions that can cover large areas of the skin. The presence of pustules, which are pus-filled lesions, and cysts, which are deeper inflamed nodules, indicates a high level of inflammation and bacterial infection within the skin.

This severity is significant because it can lead to scarring and requires a more aggressive treatment approach compared to lower grades of acne. Understanding this characteristic helps estheticians recognize the severity of a client’s acne and inform the appropriate treatment protocol.

Other characteristics associated with lower grades of acne, like blackheads, minor pimples, or infected hair follicles, do not capture the full extent of the impact seen in grade 4 acne, which is marked by a higher level of pustules and cysts as a result of numerous blocked and inflamed pores.