Types Of Acne
Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne which
includes several types of pimples. These acne lesions include
blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
Mild to Moderate acne vulgaris consists of the following types of acne
spots:
Whiteheads: Whiteheads result when a pore is completely
blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a
white appearance on the surface. These types of acne lesions sometimes
seem to be begging to be popped. Make sure you read about how to pop a
pimple before you attempt this. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life
cycle than blackheads. You can view a diagram of a whitehead on the what
is acne page. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to
treat a whitehead.
Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only
partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria,
and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is
not caused by dirt. Rather, it is a reaction of the skin's own pigment,
melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. A blackhead tends to be a
stable structure, and can often take a long time to clear. You can view
a diagram of a blackhead on the what is acne page. The Regimen provides
a step-by-step program on how to treat blackheads.
Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with
no head. Do not squeeze a papule. It will do no good, and may exacerbate
scarring. The Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat
papules.
Pustules: A pustule is similar to a whitehead, but is
inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center.
Pustules are your garden variety zit. Before you pop or squeeze such a
lesion, be sure to read about how to pop a pimple. The Regimen provides
a step-by-step program on how to treat pustules.
Acne Vulgaris - Severe
Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts:
Nodules: As opposed to the lesions mentioned above,
nodular acne consists of acne spots which are much larger, can be quite
painful and can sometimes last for months. Nodules are large, hard bumps
under the skin's surface. Scarring is common. Absolutely do not attempt
to squeeze such a lesion. You may cause severe trauma to the skin and
the lesion may last for months longer than it normally would.
Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and preventing
scarring.
Cysts: An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but
is pus-filled, and has been described as having a diameter of 5mm or
more across. They can be painful. Again, scarring is common with cystic
acne. Squeezing an acne cyst may cause a deeper infection and more
painful inflammation which will last much longer than if you had left it
alone. Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and
preventing scarring
Acne Rosacea
Acne Rosacea can look similar to the aforementioned
acne vulgaris, and the two types of acne are sometimes confused for one
another. Acne Rosacea message board
Rosacea affects millions of people, most of whom are
over the age of 30. It appears as a red rash which is normally confined
to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The redness is often accompanied
by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes. Blood vessels may also become
more visible on the skin. Blackheads are not a part of rosacea. It is
more prevalent in women, but often more severe when found in men. Left
untreated, it can cause swelling of the nose and the growth of excess
tissue, a condition called rhinophyma. Treatment is often different for
rosacea than for acne, and it is important that you consult a doctor can
determine if what you are experiencing is acne vulgaris or rosacea.
Severe forms of acne
Severe forms of acne are rare, but they are a great hardship to the
people who experience them, and can be disfiguring--and, like all forms
of acne, can have psychological effects on the sufferer.
Acne Conglobata: This is the most severe form of acne
vulgaris and is more common in males. It is characterized by numerous
large lesions, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread
blackheads. It can cause severe, irrevocable damage to the skin, and
disfiguring scarring. It is found on the face, chest, back, buttocks,
upper arms, and thighs. The age of onset for acne conglobata is usually
between 18 and 30 years, and the condition can stay active for many
years. As with all forms of acne, the cause of acne conglobata is
unknown. Treatment usually includes isotretinoin (Accutane), and
although acne conglobata is sometimes resistant to treatment, it can
often be controlled through aggressive treatment over time.