Acne usually occurs during the teen years but many people suffer from acne well into adulthood. Acne is caused by hormone imbalance and toxins in the body. Skin pores become enlarged and sebaceous glands begin to secrete more oil. Bacteria and oil clog the pores and as bacteria flourishes, inflammation is caused and the result is acne.

There are several types of acne. Basically, acne is classified into two types- inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

NON-INFLAMMATORY ACNE

This includes two types of acne.

• Closed comedo

• Open comedo

Open comedos are commonly called whiteheads. They appear as small raised white or yellowish pustules on the skin. They are caused due to the building of a plug of oil and bacteria over the pores. Whiteheads usually do not require any treatment and disappear by themselves. Closed comedos are called blackheads. They are also caused by the blockage of pores. However, in case of blackheads, the pores are not completely closed. They last longer and can be pinched away after exposing skin on the face to steam to open the pores. The black color of blackheads is not due to dirt or grime but due to the accumulation of melanin- the darkening pigment of the skin.

INFLAMMATORY ACNE

They are more prominent and may appear on areas beside the face. They can appear on the shoulders, neck, chest, upper arms and scalp.

• Papule – Small pinkish or red bumps on the skin. It occurs when the hair follicle on the skin gets inflamed. Papules can be sore and tender. Don’t touch or pick pimples as it only promotes their spread.

• Pustule – Painful pus filed lesions. They appear red at the base and yellow and rounded in the top. Pustules are commonly called zits and they are painful when touched.

• Nodules and cysts – These are more severe forms of acne vulgaris. Nodules are larger in size than pustules and are filled with pus. They are embedded deep within the skin. Cysts develop when nodules persist for a long time and then harden. Cysts and nodules may cause permanent scarring.

• Acne rosacea – This form of acne appears mostly on the face and forehead. It appears as reddish rash like area containing pimples. Rosacea can be irritating and painful. Treatment of rosacea requires special care and medications.

• Acne congloba – A very severe form of acne which occurs predominantly in males. It appears as severe lesions and blackheads and is seen on the back, buttocks and chest.

• Acne fulminans – A very severe form of acne congloba characterized by joint pain and fever. This type of acne can cause severe scarring and is usually seen in young men.

Knowing which type of acne you suffer from is essential for determining the course of treatment since different types of acne have different treatment regimens. Your dermatologist will be able to determine the type of your acne and decide on a treatment that best suits your skin type.

Jonathan Pitts

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