Types of Acne
Acne is a general term used to describe the result of plugged pores on the face, back, or chest. Generally characterized by red bumps and whiteheads, acne also includes blackheads and lumps that form beneath the skin.
The following conditions are generally referred to as acne, but each condition has particular traits.
Comedo ? The condition when a sebaceous follicle becomes clogged with a combination of sebum (released from the sebaceous gland under the skin), dead skin cells, tiny hairs, dirt, oil, and bacteria. When the comedo is open and exposed to oxygen from the air, it becomes dark in appearance, forming what is commonly known as a blackhead. A closed comedo forms a small bump beneath the skin, and takes on a skin tone or slightly white appearance, commonly known as a whitehead.
Papule ? A small, solid bump that elevates slightly above the skin surface. Typically the coloring of a papule matches that of the skin. Several papules grouped together are rough to the tough, having an almost sandpaper type feel to them.
Pustule ? A small, fluid filled bump that elevates above the skin surface and is topped by puss. This bump is filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells.
Nodule ? Similar to a papule, nodules are solid bumps that elevate slightly above the skin. The main difference is that a nodule also develops deep into skin layers and is one of the leading causes of scaring from acne. This type of acne can be very painful and is more difficult to treat than other forms.
Cyst - Similar to a pustule, a cyst is a fluid filled bump that elevates above the skin and is topped by puss. A cyst is also filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells and becomes severely inflamed. A cyst will form deeper into the skin layers and can be quite painful and is the other leading cause of scaring from acne. Like nodule acne, a cyst can be difficult to treat.
Macule ? The red or pinkish spot left after an acne lesion has healed. Depending on the severity of the initial lesion, the discoloration may last for a few days to a few weeks before subsiding.
The problem is, most people lump all these various types of acne into one group, and just call it acne. This wouldn't be an issue, except that they each react differently to various forms of treatment, and what works for one will not necessarily work for all.
This is further complicated because some people experience more than one form of acne at a time. It is very common to have both a pustule outbreak, and a cystic outbreak simultainously.
Because of these facts about acne, treatment is not always simple and straightforward. Benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil are usually a safe bet when first trying to treat acne. Some people will never need anything more than this. However, for those of you who have tried 1, several, or many treatments without success, it may be helpful to determine the types of acne you suffer from, and treat each type as suggested by a dermatologist.
Again, there is no 100% acne fix. However, knowing the type of acne you suffer from can help you find a treatment that will work best for you.
BIO:
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com
Like a good many people I have been the victim... Read More
How should people go about acne skin care? This article... Read More
In 2001, after comparing over 250 studies and 150 drugs,... Read More
Acne or pimples are caused by hormonal changes, wrong food... Read More
Adolescent acne is referred to by many names, teen acne,... Read More
The development of anti-aging alpha hydroxy acid moisturizers is promising... Read More
Twenty-one year old Lydia Garcia faces an imminent dilemma- poverty... Read More
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty... Read More
There is growing evidence that suggests that the consumption of... Read More
Every individual has different skin needs. But what doesn't differ... Read More
Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne,... Read More
If you have acne scars you may be interested in... Read More
To get rid of acne, you have to understand what... Read More
Many people think of microdermabrasion acne treatments as those supplied... Read More
If you are between 10 to 40 you have great... Read More
Oily skin is not only shiny, dull-colored, and coarse, it... Read More
Getting your bowels moving and cleaning out your colon is... Read More
If you have acne, you know the deal- everybody has... Read More
Choosing effective acne treatments from amongst the plethora of products... Read More
Home treatment for acne offers many treatment possibilities. If you... Read More
Acne can sometimes be improved with a regimen of vitamins... Read More
Acne can be caused in teenagers just from the hormonal... Read More
Most acne medications only mask the symptoms of acne and... Read More
It's hard enough to be a teenager but if your... Read More
Getting clear skin is a simple matter of paying attention... Read More
Remember the angst ridden acne years of your youth? Or... Read More
Types of AcneAcne is a general term used to describe... Read More
There are so many skin creams on the market it's... Read More
For many people the question of "what causes adult acne"... Read More
Are you making these mistakes each time you spot a... Read More
Acne is a skin disease, which is prevalent in all... Read More
The "cures" for acne vary dependant on the type and... Read More
While it may sound elementary, the first place to start... Read More
Acne control include unclogging the pores of the skin, destroying... Read More
Adult, teenage and baby acne have something in common; no... Read More
Picture this; the snow-white clear skin that you have been... Read More
Acne is a common skin condition that is not restricted... Read More
Adolescent acne is referred to by many names, teen acne,... Read More
Fruit smoothies provide you a different way to eat fruits.... Read More
Zits, or pimples, affect almost everyone at some stage of... Read More
For many people the question of "what causes adult acne"... Read More
Laser acne treatment has been around for a few years... Read More
What is acne? Acne is a term attributed to plugged... Read More
Acne is a major concern for most of the teenagers.... Read More
Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and... Read More
It's hard enough to be a teenager but if your... Read More
Retin-A for acne scars is one possibility for the problem.... Read More
Because prevention is the best way to protect your skin... Read More
How should people go about acne skin care? This article... Read More
Your thoughts have a lot to do with why you... Read More
Drinking fruit juices help to bring vitamins and minerals quickly... Read More
The "cures" for acne vary dependant on the type and... Read More
For years, scientists, doctors, biologists, dermatologists, and dieticians have searched... Read More
Acne is a problem that strikes people of all ages,... Read More
Reports show that over 90 percent of all... Read More
For those that need more than a special cream like... Read More
In 2001, after comparing over 250 studies and 150 drugs,... Read More
Most people who suffer from acne go out and spend... Read More
Is acne making your social life hell? Is everybody giving... Read More
Since 1982 Accutane has been a reliable, if not controversial,... Read More
Acne is not a problem confined to adolescence; in fact,... Read More
Adult acne - why must we suffer aging skin AND... Read More
Million of people suffer from acne breakouts young and old.... Read More
Acne is an upsetting condition that can be sometimes very... Read More
The best way to protect your skin from acne-related scarring... Read More
Acne, which affects the majority of teenagers, and a very... Read More
Acne |