Types Of AcneThere are actually different types of acne and they vary in severity and whom they strike, yet all types of acne can be broken down into 2 categories:
In order to find the best treatment for your acne, it helps to have a greater understanding of the different types of acne and identify which type you have. Though all pimples form the same way, they often take on different appearances and vary in severity among on different people. Acne is formed when a hair follicle becomes clogged and what is called a comedo is formed. As the follicle becomes clogged with more oil, the comedo becomes larger, inflaming the skin around the area and forming what we know of as a pimple. There are several types of acne, each requiring different methods of treatment. Non-inflammatory acne generally consists of comedones, or clogged pores, which show up on the skin as “white heads” and “black heads” but there is not much redness. An open comedo, or blackhead, occurs when the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin. Its dark appearance is not due to dirt, but rather to a build up of the dark pigment of the skin called melanin. This milder form of acne is fairly easy to treat and rarely leaves permanent scars. This type of acne responds quite well to acne products containing Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or a combination of both. Inflammatory acne is more severe and includes redness and inflammation. The mildest form of inflammatory acne is a papule, a small, firm, pink bump appearing on the surface of the skin. These bumps can be tender to the touch, and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. Pustules are like papules in that they are small, round lesions. Unlike papules, pustules are clearly inflamed and visibly contain pus. They may appear red at the base with a yellowish or whiteish center. Pustules do not generally contain a great deal of bacteria, but are inflamed due to chemical irritation from sebum components. Nodulocystic or cystic acne is usually very painful. Nodules are inflamed pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin. They develop when the contents of a comedo have spilled into the surrounding skin and immune system responds, producing pus. The most severe form of this type of acne may persist for weeks or even months, eventually hardening into a cyst. Both nodules and cysts often leave deep scars. Acne conglobata, a rare form of inflammatory acne, forms primarily on the back, buttocks, and chest. It is more common in males and it’s characterized by pustules and nodules, and a severe bacterial infection may also be present. Acne cosmetica is a relatively mild form of acne caused from topical cosmetic products. It is characterized by small pink bumps, and local inflammation on the cheek, chin, and forehead – basically the areas exposed to the irritating skin product. It may develop over the course of a few weeks or months, but usually does not cause scarring. Since it can persist indefinitely, it is important to find out which topical products are causing the problem and eliminate their use. If your acne is severe and you risk permanent scarring, don't hesitate to see a doctor and get a professional opinion on what type of acne you are suffering from, as well as treatment option.
It's a good idea to know what types of acne you have before you decide on the best treatment. You also need an understanding of what is causing your acne in order to take any preventive measures possible. Acne scars are difficult to treat and impossible to remove complete, so prevention is extremely important! Related Articles...What Really Causes Acne? Return Home from Types of Acne
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