Understanding The Different Types Of Acne

All pimples are formed in pretty much the same way, but they can assume different shapes and characteristics reacting differently with different people. When a hair follicle becomes clogged acne is formed, and what is called a comedo is produced. As more oil begins clogging the follicle the comedo grows larger, and the skin surrounding the area becomes inflamed, forming a pimple. There are a couple of types of acne, and each one requires a different method of treatment. Some of those types are covered here and suggestions for treating them are explained.

Non-inflammatory acne often results in forming a closed comedo, or whitehead. This happens as a result of the plugged hair follicle staying under the skin’s surface, and forms on the skin as a small whiteish bump.

An open comedo known as a blackhead, results when an enlarged plug breaks through to the skin’s surface. It has a dark appearance due to a building up of the dark pigment in the skin called melanin. Blackheads are a kind of inflammatory acne.

A papule is the mikdest type of acne. It is a small pink bump which is firm and appears on the skin’s surface. Tender to touch, they are often an intermediary phase between inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

Pustules are similar to papules because they are also small roud lesions in appearance. But pustules are visibly inflamed, containing pus. This is how they differ to papules. They can be red at the base having a yellowish or whiteish center to them. Usually there is not a lot of bacteria in a pustule and the inflammation is caused by chemical irritation from sebum components.

Nodular or cystic acne can be extremely painful. Lodging deep under the skin, nodules are lesions filled with pus and are inflamed. Developing when a comedo spills its contents into surrounding skin, pus is produced due to the response of the immune system. This type of acne may last for weeks or months ultimately forming into a cyst. Deep scars are often the result of nodule and cyst formations.

Acne conglobata is a rare kind of inflammatory acne forming generally on your back, buttocks and chest area. Severe bacterial infection of pustules and nodules is the result.

Acne cosmetica is a mild form of acne. Topical cosmetic products are usuall the cause of this type of acne formation. You will see small pink bumps with the cheek, chin and forehead suffering local inflammation. This may increase over weeks or months but scarring does not usually result. It can remain indefinitely so it is crucial in finding out the topical products which cause the problem in the first place and stop using them.

You should try finding out the cause of your acne because then you can find a suitable treatment for it. You must know what is causing it before you can treat it effectively.