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Types of Acne

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Acne comes in many forms. Although most commonly found on the face, acne ranges from Mild to Severe and can be located anywhere on the body.

Most frequently self-treated, mild cases are manageable. However, severe cases should be treated under the supervision of health professionals, such as dermatologists.

Acne Vulgaris, translated as ‘common acne,’ is the most common type of acne. It is better known as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.

Blackheads –

Occur in partially blocked pores. Dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum (the substance that causes oily skin) drain to the surface of the skin; the pigments are exposed to air, which causes the black color. Blackheads can take a long time to clear up.

Whiteheads –

Contained beneath the surface of the skin, the trapped sebum, dead cells and bacteria are completely blocked in the pores.

Pustules –

With the appearance of a red circle with a white or yellow center, this form of acne is more often called Pimples or Zits.

Nodules –

Much larger than other forms of acne, nodules form hard lumps beneath the surface of the skin which can be painful and last for several months. Highly susceptible to scarring, this form of acne is recommended to be treated by a dermatologist.

Cysts –

Similar to a nodule, this form of acne is filled with pus. Like nodules, cysts can be very painful and lead to scarring if untreated. Cysts should be treated by a dermatologist.

Acne Conglobata –

More common in males than females, this rare form of acne vulgaris is extremely disfiguring. Large lesions form on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs, sometimes accompanied by numerous blackheads. Acne Conglobata can cause severe psychological as well as physical suffering, damage to the skin and permanent scarring. This condition can last several years.

Acne Fulminans –

A sudden case of Acne Conglobata, with a fever and aching joints. Generally treated with oral steroids.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis –

A bacterial infection which causes pustules and cysts, this form of acne may be caused by long-term treatment of acne with antibiotics.

Pyoderma Faciale –

Affecting only females usually between ages 20 and 40, most commonly in women who never had acne before, this type of acne consists of painful pustules, cysts and nodules on the face. Permanent scarring is potential. Generally clears up within a year.

Acne Rosacea –

Notably affecting people over the age of 30, Acne Rosacea causes a red rash on the face. Pimples or other skin blemishes may also be present. This should not be confused with Acne Vulgaris as there are two different treatments for these types. Acne Rosacea occurs more frequently in women than men but is more severe in the men it affects.

What causes papules to form on the skin?

Acne is a common skin ailment affecting millions of people across the globe. There are several types of acne, from mild to severe, that can leave a significant impact on one’s self-esteem and lifestyle. Acne most commonly occurs during puberty, where the sebaceous glands become overactive, producing an excessive amount of oil, which clogs the skin pores leading to acne. In this article, we will discuss the various types of acne and their characteristics.

1. Whiteheads and Blackheads- These are the most common types of acne, known as comedones. Whiteheads are tiny, flesh-colored bumps that are not inflamed and remain closed. On the other hand, blackheads are open pores clogged with sebum, which gets oxidized and appears black. Both the types of comedones are relatively easy to treat and are considered mild acne.

2. Papules- Papules are small red bumps on the skin caused by infected hair follicles. These are generally tender and painful to touch. They may appear as clusters or single bumps and are considered moderate acne.

3. Pustules- Pustules appear as white or yellow pus-filled bumps that are red at the base. They are easily seen, and the pus inside them gives them an inflammatory appearance. Pustules are also classified as moderate acne.

4. Nodules- Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that appears as large, solid, and painful bumps beneath the skin’s surface. These nodules form deep within the skin’s layers and can take weeks to recover. Nodules can lead to scarring and are challenging to treat.

5. Cysts- Cystic acne is an extreme form of acne that results in the formation of large, pus-filled cysts beneath the skin’s surface. These are the most severe and painful forms of acne that mostly occur on the face but can appear on the chest and back too. They may cause permanent scarring and require medical intervention for treatment.

In conclusion, acne can have various forms and characteristics, ranging from mild to severe. Identifying the type of acne helps to determine the severity of the condition and aids in choosing appropriate treatment options. Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter products, while moderate to severe acne requires adequate medical attention. It is essential to take early measures to prevent complications such as scarring and hyperpigmentation. If you are experiencing acne, it is essential to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.