Grading acne is a means of assessing the severity of this highly
variable condition. The Leeds grading system is just one of several
systems used to diagnose and treat acne. However, there is no standard
acne grading system. In medical terms, acne is graded as follows:
Grade
1 (Mild Acne): characterized by the smallest form of blackheads which
can felt rather than seen. These can often be felt or seen on the chin
area.
Grade 2: (Acne Cosmetica): characterized by small blackheads
or spots which can be caused by every day cosmetics used on the skin.
Grade
3: (Acne Vulgaris): is what most people visually recognize as acne,
although all grades of this condition are in fact ‘acne’. Characterised
by blackheads, papules and pustules
Grade 4: (Cystic Acne): the most severe form of acne which is characterized by blackheads, papules, pustules and cysts.
