Types of Acne

The start of acne

The hair pores, in your skin contain oil glands. These glands make oil that lubricates your hair and skin. Most of the time, the oil glands make the right amount of oil. As a teen's body begins to mature and develop, hormones stimulate the oil glands to make more oil, and the glands may become overactive. Pores become clogged if there is too much oil and too many dead skin cells. Bacteria can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply, causing swelling and redness — the start of acne.

Why learn all these types and names when all you really want is clear skin?

Because the best way to fight back is by arming yourself with knowledge. In addition, it's important to know exactly what type or types of acne you have, because each type is treated differently.

Skin care experts classify acne in to different categories based on severity or appearance or area of the body affected. Whiteheads vs. Blackheads, papules vs. Pustules,   nodules Vs. cystic; mild, moderate and severe etc...

Acne vulgaris - The most common types of acne

This is perhaps the most common types of acne that people suffer from and it is most easily identified. It usually begins during puberty, but often extends into twenties thirties and beyond.  It is most common on the face, neck, chest and back but it can appear all over the body.

There are about five different types of acne lesions that are common in acne vulgaris;

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are called closed comedones. They typically appear on your skin as small, whitish bumps. It result from a pore that is blocked completely. The trapped oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells cause a white head to form on the skin’s surface. They are often treated with over-the-counter acne products.

Blackheads

Technically blackheads are called open comedones. It is created when a follicle in your skin becomes plugged and pushes through the surface. The trapped bacteria, oil, and dead skin slowly drains to the surface of the skin to form a blackhead. The dark color is caused by melanin in the skin reacting with oxygen. Blackheads typically take a longer time to clear than whiteheads.

Nodules

Nodular acne appears in large areas of your skin and is usually very painful. Severe acne often causes nodules. Acne nodules are hard bumps under the skin that may be large and last for months. Scarring is a common side effect of nodular types of acne.

Cystic acne

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne vulgaris. It is deep, inflamed breakouts develop on the face and/or other areas of the body. Cystic acne lesions are far more painful and have more risk of scarring. The blemishes themselves can become large.

Papules

Papules are small, firm cone-shaped bumps that are pink or red in color and have no head or pus. Since they don’t contain pus, you should never pop or poke them. If you do you might seriously irritate your skin and aggravate your existing pimples  and possibly end up with a permanent scar.

Pustules

Like papules, pustules are small, round lesions. You’ll notice they’re red in color with yellowish or whitish centers.  It is the most common types of acne lesion. They can be popped at home using sterile materials. Acne medications may be more effective after the pustule has been popped.

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Acne Grading

Acne vulgaris is also classified (Graded) as mild acne, moderate acne or severe acne based on severity, which is used as a basis for selecting treatment:

Acne conglobata

Acne conglobata  is an uncommon and very severe form of acne that can affect your back, buttocks, chest, shoulders, upper arms, thighs, and even your face. It is a very severe form of acne vulgaris. It usually presents itself as large lesions that may be interconnected. if you think you have acne conglobata, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Acne mechanica

It is a form of acne common in young athletes, students, soldiers, and others. It is caused or aggravated by heat, covered skin, constant pressure and repetitive friction against the skin. Acne mechanica can occur anywhere on the face or body.

Acne inversa

Acne inversa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules, pustules and abscesses. The causes of the disorder are thought to be linked to autoimmune disease. It can be made worse by obesity, eating an inflammatory diet, or smoking.

Acne fulminans

Acne fulminans is a rare and very severe form of acne conglobata associated with systemic symptoms. This type of acne often becomes ulcerated and severe scarring is common. It is characterized by its spread to other systems of the body beyond the skin, causing severe inflammation of joints and the swelling of the lymph nodes. It usually doesn’t respond to standard acne treatments.

Gram-negative folliculitis

Gram-Negative Folliculitis is a rare bacterial infection that is characterized by cysts and pustules. Some dermatologists believe that  it develops in patients who have received systemic antibiotics for prolonged periods.

Acne rosacea

Acne Rosacea is a skin disorder usually present as a red rash confined to the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Typically it begins during adulthood. Acne Rosacea is often confused with acne vulgaris because they are similar in appearance.

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comedones,  over-the-counter,  scarring, blemishes, severe acne, cysts, nodules, pustules