Different Types of Acne

Unfortunately, Acne is a very common skin condition – ranging from mild to severe.

Very few of us would have been lucky enough to not have experience in dealing with these “face demons” which turn up for no reason, are hard to treat and can leave a mess behind.

Main Types of Acne:

1. Whiteheads – Oil (sebum) and dead skin cells can block pores and if the surface of the pore is closed then it forms a whitehead.  They feel like small hard bumps under the surface of the skin and are flesh coloured. It is often referred to as non-inflammatory acne as there is no redness, swelling or tenderness.
2. Blackheads – Are caused by the same process as whiteheads (also non-inflammatory acne)- a pore which has become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells, however the surface of the pore is open and has oxidised with the air turning it black.
3. Papules – (the common zit) inflammatory acne – a pink or red bump, raised and sore to touch.  A papule does not usually have any white or yellow pus visible at the tip – so no amount of squeezing or picking is going to make this “pop” – it will actually make the problem worse as you may push the bacteria deeper under the skin.   Again this is caused by a blocked pore but bacteria has grown within the pore causing the structure of the pore to become inflamed.
4. Pustules – These are large engorged swollen papules, where white or yellow pus is visible in the middle – the ones you just can’t leave alone regardless of every piece of advice you know.  They are usually painful to touch, swollen and red.  Most teenage acne is a combination of papules and pustules.
5. Cysts and Nodules – the largest and most painful type of acne. The inflammation and bacteria are often larger and deeper within the surface of the skin.  It is very difficult to treat and this is the type of acne which can cause scarring as it damages the support structure of the skin.