Types of Acne and Causes
Part of a successful acne treatment is the proper identification of the type of acne you are suffering from. Whether you have teenage or adult acne, stress acne or some other variety, learn about the specific types of acne, what causes them, and some common acne treatments.
Dermatologists classify acne into different types according to their surface distribution and severity. The following is a list of the types of acne:
Acne Vulgaris
Acne Vulgaris is the most common type of acne and the most prevalent as well, affecting areas of the skin where sebaceous follicles and perspiration ducts are most commonly found, such as the forehead (especially the area where the forehead and the scalp meet), the back, etc. Cases of acne vulgaris range from mild to moderate acne spots, to severe forms like nodules and cysts (cystic acne). The following are the categories of acne vulgaris according to severity:
Blackheads
Partially-blocked pores wherein the melanin from the skin reacts with the oxygen in the air to produce a dark pigmentation.
Whiteheads
Completely blocked pores wherein the sebum or oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria form the white sports that appear in the skin.
Pustules
More popularly known as zits, pustules are red inflammation of the skin with white or yellow center or head.
Papules
Red, inflamed bumps on the skin. Unlike pustules, papules have no head or center.
Nodules (Nodular Acne)
Nodules are a severe form of acne vulgaris characterized by a bump on the skin. These hard bumps or nodules are larger than papules and may or may not be inflamed.
Cysts (Cystic Acne)
Cysts are pus-filled bumps on the surface of the skin, which can be painful to the touch.
Acne Rosacea
Unlike acne vulgaris, acne rosacea tends to attack only certain areas of the face, from the forehead and chin to the cheeks and nose. The following are the types of acne rosacea according to their degree of severity:
Rosacea
A red rash-like infection usually accompanied by pimples, bumps, and skin blemishes.
Acne Fulminans
Characterized by severe nodules and cysts spread across the skin. This causes scarring and is accompanied by fever and joint pain.
Acne Conglobata
A severe type of acne characterized by lesions that are large, numerous, and usually interconnected.
Gram-negative Folliculitis
Gram-negative foilliculitis is caused by bacterial infection, believed to be a result of complications from long term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris. It is usually accompanied by pustules and cysts.
Pyoderma Faciale
A condition that affects only women, Pyoderma Faciale is confined only to the face where it develops painful nodules, sores, and pustules. Pyoderma Faciale can leave scars in the skin that can last even after the acne treatment.
Acne Treatment
Treatment options for acne are numerous but first you must answer the question of ‘what type of acne do I have’. Then you can choose between the following types of acne treatment:
Acne Home Remedies
Minor forms of acne can be dealt with effectively at home using known acne home remedies. Make sure that you have done your research before launching into self-treatment using home remedies.
Topical Solutions
You can also use topical solutions such as creams, toners, and scrubs. Review different product description for treatments to determine the best acne cream, toner, or scrub that works for you.
Medications
For severe acne conditions, doctors prescribe medicines such as benzoyl peroxide, cortisone, and isotretinoin.
Non-invasive Procedures
Dermatologists have ways of reducing the inflammation caused by nodules and cysts. Ask your dermatologist for more non-invasive procedures that can help improve your acne in the long run.
When experiencing severe acne vulgaris or acne rosacea, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist who can better identify what type of acne you have and the best possible line of treatment you can benefit from.