Types of Acne

Millions of people suffer from an outbreak of acne and the condition is easily treatable with some over-the-counter products and home remedies. There is no, one definite reason for acne and hence there is no single product that can be used for everyone to treat this skin condition. One of the reasons that people experience is the outbreak of different types of acne is that different people have different skin tones.

Most people get acne when they hit puberty because this is the time when our bodies go through hormonal changes. Another reason for acne is that our skin has sebaceous glands which secret oil to moisturize the skin, and when these glands are stimulated excess oil is released causing acne. You will also get acne when the skin pores get blocked by dead cells and infected with bacteria. Although there are different acne types and treatment methods, a good skin cleansing regimen will guard you against acne breakout.

Most of us will get acne during our lifetime and it is useful to know the various treatment options. Usually, a good skin cleansing regimen that involves exfoliating the skin with masks or scrubs and the use of anti-bacterial soap is enough to deal with it. For some acne types, you will have to visit your dermatologist who might prescribe you some antibiotics. Some of the commonly experienced acne are:

Acne Vulgaris
It is the most common acne types and is experienced by millions of people, it is an easily treatable skin condition. Blackheads which are caused due to the oxidation of melanin and whiteheads which are a collection of sebum and dead skin cells are some of the common forms of acne vulgaris.

When your skin pores are blocked with dead cells, bacteria and sebum, you will get red bumps on the skin known as papules a form of acne vulgaris. Pustules are also a form of acne vulgaris and they are filled with pus. In some cases, there is a formation of nodules which are large painful pimples. It can be treated with over the counter products and home remedies.

Acne Rosacea
This type of acne has similar skin inflammation and signs as acne vulgaris, but you will also have an accompanying rash on your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It is also known as adult acne and is more common in women than in men. The blood vessels will be visible in some cases of acne rosacea and there will be no blackheads. If untreated it can lead to rhinophyma which is the growth of excess tissue. Visiting a dermatologist for treatment is essential for this type of acne.

Acne Fulminans
It is a rare type of acne compared to acne vulgaris and is mostly found in men. This type of acne can lead to extreme scarring and painful nodule growth. What sets this type of acne apart is that it is accompanied by fever and joint pains. As this type of acne does not respond to antibiotics doctors will prescribe oral steroids.

Acne Conglobata
One of the most feared forms of acne from the point of cosmetology, it can cause severe lesions and permanent scarring. Acne conglobata mostly affects men and is characterized by interconnected lesions that may have several blackheads. It causes severe skin damage and your dermatologist will put you on isotretinoin, a drug which slows down the production of skin cells, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory drug.

Pyoderma Faciale
It comes on suddenly and mostly affects women who are in the age group of 20-40. The affected persons skin will be infected with painful pustules. Another aspect of pyoderma faciale is painful sores and nodules across the face. For acne control doctors will most likely put you on steroids and isotretinoin.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis
Like most acne, you will have pustules which are red in the bottom and filled with pus. It affects both men and women and it can be a painful condition. Cysts will be formed as a result of bacterial infection and you will need to visit a doctor for treatment. Like the other severe forms of acne this acne type is also treated with isotretinoin.

Now that you know a little about acne, you must have realized that preventive measures are a must to avoid the onset of different types of acne. Some of the preventive steps you could take are washing the face at least twice a day, with a mild anti-bacterial soap, using water based or gel based cosmetics.