Crossword Genius

Spots a staff alpha stepping down (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

acne

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'spots' is the definition.
(skin condition causing spots)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for acne that I've seen before include "Adolescent skin disease" , "Skin disorder" , "Skin problem, mainly of teenagers" , "sort of disease" , "(Inflammation causing) spots" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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