The Different Types of Acne and What You Can Do About Them

What Causes Acne?

Acne is the condition of inflamed follicles.  Generally, it is caused by dead skin or another foreign substance getting caught in the hair follicle and causing it to trap bacteria.  This creates an infection and swelling, which may be accompanied by other symptoms.  There are, however, many causes and types of acne.  Here are a few of them.

Blackheads are pores blocked by dead skin cells.  The dark appearance of the blackhead occurs because these cells are darker in color and contaminated with dirt.  The open pore allows this to be visible.  Conversely, in the case of whiteheads, the pore is closed, and the visible portion of the lesion is light in color.  Both of these types of acne lesions are lumped together as comedones by the medical profession.  Papules are small red bumps on the skin.  They can give it an irregular appearance or feel.  Pustules are larger and filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, and dead skin cells.  They can be slightly painful.  It can be tempting to burst or pick at this type of acne, but this should be avoided, as it can result in scarring.  All of these types of acne can be treated by a program of cleanliness to remove excess dead skin and oil, as well as applications or benzoyl peroxide.

Nodules are hard bumps that form under the surface of the skin.  They can result in scarring because they are so deeply anchored.  One of the more severe types of acne, thankfully rare, is called cystic acne.  Cysts are large, fluid filled lesions that form on the face.  They are anchored deeply in the skin and tend to leave scars when they heal.  Cystic acne has been successfully treated with Accutane, but resists topical treatments.  Accutane comes with a number of side effects in addition to the reduction of cystic acne.  These side effects include muscle aches, dry eyes and chapped lips, and adverse effects on cholesterol and liver function.  Depression can also result.  Because of this, people taking this drug should remain in regular contact with their doctor.  It must not be taken by pregnant women who suffer from cystic acne because of possible damage to the developing fetus. 

If you're not sure which of the types of acne you have, consult with your doctor.  That way you will be able to get the correct treatment for the one that afflicts you.  Because the different kinds of acne have different means of treatment, it's important to make sure that you have the correct one to get relief. 

Acne prevention information online is what this website offers.