Which is Which? A Guide to Acne and Its Different Forms

Acne vulgaris is the most common type of acne observed among individuals. It is interesting to note however that several types of this common infliction exist. Each type ranges in severity from the mild variations to the more severe cases that may actually cause disfigurement. These types can be classified into two major divisions- the mild or moderate kinds and the severe ones. Below are some of the more common classifications

The Mild/Moderate Kinds of Acne

Mild to moderate forms of acne can be classified into three main types. The first type is commonly known as comedones and these can be simply defined as clogged pores. This form of acne occurs when excess oils are trapped inside the skin’s surface. Whiteheads and blackheads are famous examples of comedones. Whiteheads are formed when a plugged follicle closes up and forms a bump with a characteristic white center. Blackheads arise when a clogged pore is exposed to air resulting in darkening. Contrary to popular belief, blackheads are not caused by dirt.

The second and third types are called papules and pustules respectively. These growths are what are more commonly known by most as pimples. However, papules are different from pustules in that the former are characterized by reddish, inflamed bumps while the latter are inflamed bumps with white or yellow centers. The whitish or yellowish centers are an indication of the presence of pus in the pimple. Papules are considered to be more serious than pustules because the presence of pus indicates a greater level of infection.

The More Serious Forms of Acne

Nodules and cysts characterized the more severe types of acne. Nodules are large bumps in the skin that are much larger compared to the typical lesions described previously. These can last for months and are larger and more painful than the pimples that most people are accustomed to having. Scarring is not uncommon with this form of acne. Lesions of this degree should never be squeezed or popped as doing so can result in extensive scarring and severe skin trauma.

A cyst on the other hand, is a nodule that is filled with pus. Another way to categorize cysts is that they should be at least 5mm in diameter. Scarring also occurs with this form of acne and squeezing it will only result in greater levels of infection and inflammations which are more painful. Squeezing cystic acne will only result in it lasting longer than it should.

Some of very serious kinds of acne are acne congoblata, gram-negative folliculitis and pyoderma faciale. These types are so severe that they can actually result in the disfigurement of one’s physical appearance. Bacterial infection and a host of other undetermined factors are said to be the cause of these severe afflictions.

To the uninformed, acne can seem to be just a single type of affliction with many different faces. Few will ever bother to distinguish one from the other. But if one aims to understand, avoid and even cure it, being able to differentiate one from the other is important. Treating and managing acne depends on the type and the severity of the condition. In the end, knowing the basic types of acne is the first step to controlling and curing the condition.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: type ranges,different forms,acne observed,acne vulgaris,common type,severe types

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