I absolutely have stayed home many times when I've been broken out.
I used to pick at mine though,which made them worse then if I had just left them alone.It's much harder to cover a oozing mess then a bump
During my worst period,I had cysts all over that were extremely painful.
Some I had picked at,some were just huge.Every morning when I woke up,there was new ones.I didn't leave the house for about 6 months except for absolute necessitates.
My face has cleared as I've gotten older.I still get the occasional pimple,but when I do now It doesn't bother me as much and I'm able to leave the house.I totally understand anyone who feels they can't though,having been there.
People with clear skin just don't understand how it feels...
you feel like everyone is staring at you and thinking,"EWWW".(at least I know that is how I felt!)
Even though I NEVER think that about other people who I see that have acne.I usually think,so-and-so has acne and they are still good looking.