Anti Aging Skin Care » Acne Skin Care » Types of Acne

Acne Types and Treatments

Acne is a common skin inflammation. There are various types of acne. Acne are most commonly found on face and ranges from mild to severe form. Mild cases are mostly self-treated. However, severe cases should be treated under the direction of health professionals such as dermatologists.

Acne Vulgaris : Acne vulgaris is the most common type of acne. It includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.

• Blackheads - Blackheads are little bumps embedded into the pores of our skin. They are usually yellowish or blackish in color. Blackheads are a type of acne called an open comedone. Blackheads are the initial stage of acne, forming before bacteria invade the pores of our skin, which in turn, results in infection and inflammation, (otherwise known as the pimple). Blackheads can take a long time to clear up.
• Whiteheads - Whiteheads occurs when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. Whiteheads generally disappear quicker than blackheads.
• Pustules - Pustules contain pus-like substance that is a combination of sebum, bacterium and dead skin cells. While unpleasant, they will normally clear up in two to three days after outbreak with treatment.
• Nodules - Nodules are bigger in size as compared to other forms. They form hard lumps below the surface of the skin, which can be painful and last for several months. This form of acne is suggested to be treated by a dermatologist.
• Cysts - A cyst may be filled with thick, yellow pus-like fluid and is inflamed and infected.

Acne Conglobata - It is more common in males than females. It is a chronic and severe form of acne vulgaris showing: deep abscesses, inflammation, severe damage to the skin. Scarring and blackheads are obvious and widespread, often occurring on the face, neck, trunk, upper arms and/or buttocks. Acne Conglobata can cause harsh psychological as well as physical suffering damage to the skin and permanent scarring. This condition can last for several years.

Acne Fulminans - Acne fulminans has a sudden onset of very destructive inflammation. Severe and often ulcerating acne, fever and inflammation and pain in joints, especially hips and knees. A person who develops acne fulminans may have had ineffective treatment for another form of severe acne.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis - This is caused by bacterial infection, which causes pustules and cysts. This form follows long-term antibiotic treatment.

Pyoderma Faciale - This type of facial acne affects only females usually between ages twenty and forty. Most commonly found in women who never had acne before. This form of acne includes painful pustules, cysts and nodules on the face. Permanent scarring is potential. Normally clears up within a year.

Acne Rosacea - Remarkably affecting people over the age of thirty, Acne Rosacea causes a red rash on the face. Pimples or other skin blemishes may also be visible. This must not be compared with Acne Vulgaris, as there are two different treatments for these types. Acne Rosacea occurs more frequently in women than men but affects men more seriously.