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updated January 07, 2009

Types of Acne

Acne Vulgaris

The most common type of acne, Acne Vulgaris is what you can generally expect to see in teenagers and young adults in some cases. It is thought to have a myriad of causes including genetics, hormones, inflammation, stress, dead skin cells blocking pores, bacteria, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, etc.

There are a number of treatments available for acne vulgaris, depending on the severity of each case. Some are prescribed by dermatologists, and others can be bought over the counter or through the internet. Some treat acne from the inside, claiming to attack acne at the root, and others focus on topical issues and causes.

Individuals should choose acne treatments according to their own circumstances. Some are more likely to cause side effects, others cannot be combined with certain other medications or chemicals, and others only address certain causes. However, some of the more popular ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, aloe vera, azaleic acid, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil.

Whiteheads:

Whiteheads are a result of completely blocked pores, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells; causing a white appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are the direct result of skin pores becoming clogged with sebum (naturally occurring oil) and dead skin cells. Whiteheads are symptoms of acne vulgaris and consist of pores blocked with sebum.

Blackheads:

Aptly named, blackheads are generally black in appearance. They are caused by excess oil buildup, causing a build up of bacteria. However, they are not always black. Some blackheads appear as yellow bumps on the skin. In total, blackheads are made up of a myriad of elements including oils, make up, and dirt and grime. They are often filled with sebum.

Because teens most commonly suffer from hormones induced large pores, blackheads are most likely to occur in teens. However, they can continue throughout life in some individuals. Blackheads can typically be treated with topical applications. However, to prevent further infection or scarring, they should not be popped or otherwise if avoidable.

Papules:

Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Do not squeeze a papule. It will do no good, and may exacerbate scarring.

Pustules:

A pustule is similar to a whitehead, but is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety zits.

Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts:

Nodules:

As opposed to the lesions mentioned above, nodular acne consists of acne spots which are much larger, can be quite painful and can sometimes last for months. Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin's surface. Scarring is common. Absolutely do not attempt to squeeze such a lesion. You may cause severe trauma to the skin and the lesion may last for months longer than it normally would.

Cysts:

An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled, and has been described as having a diameter of 5mm or more across. They can be painful. Again, scarring is common with cystic acne. Squeezing an acne cyst may cause a deeper infection and more painful inflammation which will last much longer than if you had left it alone.

Acne Rosacea

One of the more common forms of acne, some experts estimate that acne rosacea affects more than 45 million individuals worldwide. It is characterized by a reddening of the affected area, pustules, small bumps, red eyes, and a burning feeling. It is commonly confused with acne vulgaris. However, acne rosacea most commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 60.

There are 4 different types of rosacea, and treatment depends on both the type and the severity of the rosacea. Flare ups are often associated with certain triggers, and diaries can be kept to identify these triggers. The most common treatments include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and metronidazole, all treatments prescribed exclusively by dermatologists. For prevention, some experts suggest a gentle facial scrub and a dependable sunscreen. Some cases can go away with time, but most require lifelong treatment.

Acne Conglobata:

A relatively rare form of acne, acne congloblata is characterized by burrowing and interconnecting zits and irregular scars. When it does occur, acne conglobata commonly results in noticeable disfigurement. Though most common in males, it can also occur in females, and it can be found in most areas of the body. In rare cases, it may even strike infants.

This particular form of acne can stay active for a significant number of years, and though it is generally treated using Accutane, some cases can be resistant to treatment. Although the cause is unknown at this time, some suspect it may be genetic.

Acne Fulminans:

Otherwise known as acne maligna, acne fulminans is a severe form of acne usually seen after unsuccessful treatment of acne conglobata. Some experts speculate that acne fulminans may be the result of a disease which elevates levels of testosterone. However, it has not been successfully treated with steroids at this point in time.

Initially, acne fulminans manifests in the form of achy and inflamed joints. However, it progresses to enflame the lymph nodes. Once the inflammation in the lymph nodes goes down, the joints become more enflamed and painful, and many lose their appetite completely.

In advanced cases, sufferers experience extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy. At this stage, long term hospitalization is required. However, should patients receive treatment early, hospitalization can be avoided. For those few that do suffer from this rare form of acne, it usually manifests around the age of 13.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis:

This condition is a bacterial infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication resulting from a long term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris. It is a rare condition, and we do not know if it is more common in males or females at this time. Fortunately, isotretinoin is often effective in combating gram-negative folliculitis.

Pyoderma Faciale:

This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by painful large nodules, pustules and sores which may leave scarring. It begins abruptly, and may even occur on the skin of a woman who has never had acne before. It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a very short time.