The Types of Acne

Different Kinds of Acne

Lots of people think that acne is just a passing phase that teenagers go through.  However, there are actually many types of acne.  These can be related to one another, or independent in origin, even if they occur on the same person.  In general, the term refers to plugged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and other lumps.  These blemishes can occur anywhere on the body, not just the face.  This condition is not life-threatening, but it can cause severe, permanent scarring, even in cases that don't appear to be particularly severe.

The types of acne include acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, acne conglobata, and occupational acne.  The first kind, acne vulgaris, is what we are used to associating with the term “acne.”  This tends to occur during puberty, and affects mostly the face, chest, and back.  It's slightly more common in males, but happens in both sexes.  A variant of this kind of acne affects adults, but occurs only in a small percentage of the population.  This type of acne is easily treated, commonly with benzoyl peroxide.  Everyone seems to have their own acne remedy, though.

Acne rosacea is a side effect of the medical condition called rosacea.  In this disease, inflammation of the blood vessels in the face causes bumps and pustules to appear on the surface of the skin.  Rosacea primarily affects women over the age of 30.  Acne from this condition appears on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.  Scarring from rosacea can be permanently disfiguring if not promptly treated.  Treatments for rosacea include dermabrasion and medications, and must be prescribed by a doctor.

Acne conglobata is one of the very severe types of acne.  It occurs more commonly in males, and in tropical climates.  It affects most of the body, and may be accompanied by a systemic illness.  In acne conglobata, nodules and acne lesions are connected to one another beneath the surface of the skin. 

Occupational acne is not caused by the same things as the other types.  It is instead a group of similar symptoms with different sources, all caused by environmental factors.  Chloracne rash, for instance, is one example of occupation acne.  This condition occurs when comedones, or plugged follicles, develop in response to chlorinated chemicals and herbicides.  Chemical workers, cleaners and janitors, and groundskeepers may be susceptible to these types of acne.   Other sources of occupation acne include exposure to tars and oils that plug the pores and produce acne-like symptoms.

Treatment of acne can vary from simple to complicated.  It depends on which of the types of acne an individual is suffering from.  Acne vulgaris can be treated with topical applications, and occupational acne can usually be cleared up by removing the source of the irritation.  Acne rosacea and acne conglobata are more difficult problems and must be addressed by a physician.

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Editor's Note: Cure treating acne information help can be found throughout this website.