Types of Acne
What people typically refer to as acne are classified into three main groups –
- Non-Inflammatory Acne
- Inflammatory Acne
- Look-alike Acne
No matter the type, all acne begins with the same culprit – the comedo. This lesion is simply an enlarged hair follicle that is clogged with bacteria and oil. As your skin produces oil, bacteria continues to grow and as your white blood cells fight the invaders, your surrounding skin becomes more and more inflamed. Although there are many faces of acne, they differ slightly in classification and cure. Below are the types of acne, including acne look-alikes, to help you identify and treat your condition.
Non-Inflammatory:
On most occasions, non-inflammatory acne will naturally release its contents to the surface wall and heal. Listed below are the two types of non-inflammatory acne, commonly known as white and blackheads.
Whitehead. Appearing as a small, whitish bump. Whiteheads develop when oil and bacteria remain trapped below the surface of your skin.
Blackhead. Appearing as a black or dark surface, blackheads develop when the trapped oil and bacteria are partially open under the skin’s surface. The dark coloration is melanin, the skin’s pigment, not from dirt. Therefore, blackheads can’t be washed away.
Inflammatory:
Although random occurrences can cause inflammatory breakouts, they are often caused by self-infliction. Picking at or rubbing acne can rupture the follicle wall, force more bacteria into the surface or other negative effects that can cause greater inflammation and possibly scarring.
Papule. The papule is a small, solid pink bump as it does not contain pus. This is a mild form of inflammatory acne and can be tender to the touch.
Pustule. These small round lesions contain visible pus, and are caused by chemical irritation rather than bacteria.
Nodule or Cyst. Unlike pustules, nodules last for lengthy periods, spanning anywhere from a few weeks to several months. These lesions are large and painful and often leave deep scars.
Look-Alikes:
They may appear alongside your acne or closely resemble the condition, but acne look-alikes should be identified separately as not all look-alikes are treated the same.
Dermatitis or Eczema. This rapidly spreading red rash is related to allergies and asthma. The rash may be itchy, swollen and blistered. Most often seen in early childhood, adults can also see the rash on eyelids, neck and hands. This condition is usually caused by detergents, chemicals and other irritants.
Enlarged Pores. As we age, sun damage decreases the skin’s elasticity, causing pores to appear larger and more noticeable. The appearance of the blackheads is normal, and squeezing the surface will only damage or enlarge the pore.
Keratosis Pilaris. Commonly appearing on the back of upper arms, front of the thighs, shoulders and buttocks, Keratosis Pilaris are described as tiny, red, permanent goose bumps. Usually painless, these bumps appear during months and climates of low humidity.
Milia. These tiny white bumps are small cysts caused by the trapping of sloughed skin cells in small pockets on the skin’s surface. Mainly appearing on the cheeks, nose and chin of infants, Milia can also appear on adults.
Perioral Dermatitis. Almost exclusively found among young women, Perioral Dermatitis usually appears around the mouth and chin and displays red bumps, pus-filled yellowish bumps and scaling of skin. Sometimes appearing on eyelids and the forehead, Perioral Dermatitis also causes intense itching. Fluorinated toothpaste, facial creams or other irritants including cinnamon can cause this skin irritation.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. Also known as shaving bumps, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is cause by trapped hair follicles that cause irritation and swelling.
Acne Rosacea. This chronic skin disease is not true acne. Characterized by redness, pimples, bumps, Acne Rosacea most commonly appears on the face. The neck, upper chest and eyes can also be affected.
Types of Acne
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Acne Active Ingredients
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