Different Types of Acne

Acne is a skin condition that affects the oil glands of the skin. The pores in a persons skin are linked by a canal (follicle) to oil glands beneath the skin, that produce an oily substance called sebum. Dead skin cells are transported through the follicle to the skin surface, using the medium of oil. The follicle also has a thin strand of hair growing out of it. There are times when this follicle gets blocked, which leads to the development of a pimple.

Certain regions of the body are more prone to the development of pimples. They are most likely to form on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. The problems caused by acne are related more to a person's self image and confidence level, than to any to any serious health threat. The only significant issue is scarring. The reasons for the causes of acne aren't entirely clear, though we do know that when the strand of hair, sebum, and skin cells stick together they block the follicle. The bacteria in the plug causes swelling. Then when the plug starts to break down, a pimple grows.

Common Acne Types

Blackheads: Blackheads are the outcome of follicles that have a wider than normal opening. Also known as open comedones, they contain sebum and dead skin cells, that have reacted to cause the oxidation of melanin. It is this black substance that slowly seeps out to give a blackhead its name and appearance.

Whiteheads: Whiteheads are a type of acne that remain under the surface of the skin. Called closed comedones at times, these follicles are filled with the same sebum and dead skin cells. However, as these follicles have very tiny openings, air does not reach into them, and the consequent oxidation does not take place. Thus, the substance remains white, and can be seen beneath the surface of the skin.

Papules: Papules may be described as small red or pink bumps on the skin. When the pore is filled with bacteria, sebum and dead skin cells, a high break may occur in the follicle wall and cause the substance to spread into the dermis. It is common for a papule to progress into a pustule. It is very important not to squeeze a papule, as any irritation is likely to aggravate it. By themselves, they are likely to heal quickly, without any scarring. Preventive measures can be taken in the form of benzoyl peroxide.

Pustules: This type of acne is red at the bottom, with pus on top. They appear in different sizes and at times have a brownish comedonal cap like core over the pus head. If you have occasional pustules, you can try treating them with benzoyl peroxide creams or cleansers. However, frequent or numerous pustules requires a dermatologist consultation. One is strongly advised against popping them.

Nodules: These pimples are large, painful, and solid. These inflamed lesions penetrate far into the skin, and occur as the outcome of a deep split within the follicle wall. The infected debris from the ruptured follicle infects adjoining follicles. This severe form of acne must not be picked or squeezed, as the deep infection increases the risk of scarring. While acne scar removal treatments are available, it is best to take preventive measures.

Cysts: Cysts are painful, deep, and pus-filled pimples, which are prone to scarring. Cysts are similar to nodules in their formation, and in this case, a membrane forms around the infection in the dermis. While the cyst travels to the surface, it damages healthy skin tissue, and destroys the follicle. It is the most severe form of acne.

There are many more types of acne, including Acne Rosacea, Acne Conglobata and Acne Fulminans. Acne is a common condition that most people will have to deal with during different times in their lives. Estimates say that 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point of time. Some of the contributing factors of acne are a surge in hormones during teenage years, hormone changes during pregnancy, starting or stopping birth control pills, heredity, certain medications, and greasy makeup. There are an abundance of homemade acne remedies and natural acne cures available to treat this condition, but if the problem persists, one must make sure visit a dermatologist.