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Types of Acne
Did you know that there are several different types of acne blemishes? Acne varies from mild to severely disfiguring. Acne is not just a "skin deep" problem.
The real issue with acne is how it affects the person who is suffering with it emotionally and mentally. The biggest myth that surrounds acne by those that suffer with it, is that acne is caused by dirt, it is absolutely not caused by dirt.
The exact cause of acne is not always clear but what is known is how the spots are formed. Acne develops when the hair follicle of your skin gets blocked by over production of dead cells and then become infected by bacteria. The infection causes redness, swelling, and pain.
In order to effectively treat your acne, you need a daily regimen to help control break-outs.
The acne regimen works effectively to combat light to moderate acne. If you have severe acne, you may require a more aggressive treatment.
Folliculitis
Types of Acne
Before we talk about the different types of acne, let's discuss what folliculitis is and its relation to acne. Folliculitis can look like acne and is sometimes confused with it as well. The signs and symptoms of folliculitis vary, depending on the type of infection and can include:
- Itchiness or tenderness
- Clusters of small red bumps that develop around hair follicles
- Pus-filled blisters that can break open and crust over
Every hair on your body grows from a follicle and is attached to a small muscle. The muscle contracts when you get cold or frightened, and the hair raises above the level of your skin which is often referred to as 'goose bumps.' Just above the muscles are sebaceous glands that produce oil that lubricates your skin and coats each hair shaft. The oil is carried to the follicles and skin in tiny ducts.
When the follicles become damaged, they might be invaded by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which leads to infections such as folliculitis. The common causes of folliculitis are from shaving, or tight clothing, excessive perspiration, skin abrasions or surgical wounds.
Be assured that acne is not caused by dirt. Acne occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. This occurs when your body produces an excess amount of oil and dead skin cells, both build up in the hair follicle and form together as a soft plug. If the plug causes the follicle wall to bulge, it produces a whitehead. If the plug is open to the surface, it darkens and causes a blackhead.
. . . Now, let's discuss the different types of acne . . .
Types of Acne - mild/moderate
Acne Vulgaris
Types of Acne
Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne and includes several types of pimples. The condition is most common prior to the onset of puberty, when the adrenal gland begins to produce and release more androgen hormone. The face and neck are most commonly affected, but the back, shoulders, and upper arms can be affected as well.
Mild to moderate acne vulgaris consists of the following types of acne spots or lesions.
Whiteheads: Whiteheads result when a pore is completely blocked. . . oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells are trapped, which causes a white appearance on the skin surface. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads, but sometimes these lesions seem to be begging to be popped. Although it is advised to let your body heal the pimple on its own, if you find that you must pop, please pop safely. Make sure you read about how to pop a pimple before you attempt this, because lesions from acne vulgaris can leave scars.
The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat whiteheads.
Here you can read more and find complete information on acne vulgaris.
Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, and some of the trapped oil, bacteria and dead skin cells are allowed to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is a reaction of the skin's own pigment reacting with the oxygen in the air. Blackheads can often take a long time to clear.
The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat blackheads
Papules: Papules have no head, but they are red, tender, inflamed bumps. It is important not to squeeze a papule. Squeezing papules will not help them heal, and may make scarring worse.
The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat papules
Pustules: Pustules are similar to whiteheads, but they are inflamed and appear as a red circle with a white or yellow center. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, shoulders, back and over the breastbone, and in areas of increased sweating such as the armpit and groin.
If you are going to pop or squeeze a pustule, make sure to read about how to pop a pimple.
Types of Acne - Severe
Acne Vulgaris - Severe
Cystic acne, or nodulocystic ance, is the most severe type of acne vulgaris. With cystic acne, cysts and nodules are formed, and swollen pus filled pustules are visible on the external surface of the skin, and can also be very painful. Although many people use the term "cystic" to describe any type of severely inflamed acne, only those who develop cysts truly have cystic acne.
Nodules: Nodules are large, solid bumps under the skin's surface. They are formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles. They can last for months and can be quite painful.
Definitely, do not attempt to squeeze such a lesion as you may cause severe trauma to your skin and the lesion could last longer than it normally would. Consult your doctor or dermatologist, they can help with lessening the swelling and preventing scarring.
Cysts: Cysts can appear similar to nodules, but are pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin, they are painful boil-like infections that can cause scars. Again, you definitely do not want to squeeze a cyst because it could cause a deeper infection and more painful inflammation which will last longer than if you had not touched.
Here you will find complete information on cystic acne
Acne Rosacea
Acne rosacea can look similar to acne vulgaris, and the two types are sometimes confused for one another. Rosacea is not acne, but acne can co-exist with rosacea for a condition called "adult acne rosacea". Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects adults and causes redness in your face and produces small, red, pus-filled bumps or pustules.
Adult acne rosacea can be difficult to treat because it involves the treatment of two different conditions. The skin affected by rosacea is sensitive to sunlight, hot showers, temperatures and saunas, as well as hot or spicy foods and alcohol, all of which may cause rosacea flare-up.
Read more about Acne Rosacea
Severe Types of Acne
Severe forms of acne are rare, but can affect many aspects of a person's life who is suffering with it, causing a great deal of embarrassment and stress. Severe acne can be disfiguring and require years of treatment, so it's best to see a dermatologist.
There are 4 types of severe acne:
Acne Conglobata: This is the most severe form of cystic acne, and is more common in males. It's characterized by widespread whiteheads and deep, inflammatory nodules that interconnect under the skin to other nodules. It can cause deep scarring and is difficult to treat.
The age of onset is usually between 18 and 30 years and can stay active for many years. It develops primarily on the face, chest, back, upper arms, thighs and buttocks. This type of acne is resistant to standard acne treatments, including oral antibiotics, so treatment usually includes an aggressive treatment with Accutane.
Acne Fulminans: This type of acne is a sudden onset of acne conglobata and normally afflicts young men. It is characterized by severe and ulcerating acne, a fluctuating fever, weight loss, inflammation and painful joints. As with acne conglobata, extreme, disfiguring scarring is common. Acne fulminans does not respond well to antibiotics, so Accutane and oral steroids are normally prescribed.
A person who develops acne fulminans may have had unsuccessful treatment for another form of severe acne
Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial infection that is due to a negative reaction to long term antiobotic treatment for acne vulgaris or rosacea. It's a rare condition characterized by pustules and cysts and Accutane is often effective in combating gram-negative folliculitis.
Pyoderma Faciale: This form of severe acne only affects women, usually between the ages of 20 and 40, and most commonly in women who have never had acne before. It begins abruptly and consists of painful large pustules, nodules and sores which may leave scarring. It is confined to the face, and usually doesn't last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a very short time.
References
"Questions and Answers About Acne." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Mayo Clinic (2009) - Acne, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.
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