Types of Acne
Types of acne range from mild to severe. We show you the differences.
When it comes to types of acne, there really is only one main category. That is acne vulgaris. However, there are some other conditions which are sometimes confused with acne. The two most common are rosacea (sometimes mistakenly called acne rosacea) and folliculitis. These two conditions have a lot of the same symptoms as acne vulgaris, but have different causes.
In the category of acne vulgaris (also simply called acne), there are different acne types, ranging from mild to severe. Depending on the type of acne you have, the treatments may be different.
Types of Acne:
Mild Acne Vulgaris – The most common type of acne. Characterized by:
- Whiteheads – Occur when a pore gets completely blocked, and oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria get trapped inside. This causes a white acne pimple on the surface.
- Blackheads – Occur when a pore is only partially blocked. Oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells still get trapped, but some seep to the surface, reacting with oxygen and turning blackish in color. Contrary to popular belief, the color has nothing to do with dirt being trapped inside.
- Papules – Tiny, sensitive, tender, and inflamed bumps on the skin. Can cause scarring if you attempt to pop or pick these.
- Pustules – Similar to a whitehead, pustules are pus-laden, and inflamed. Looks like a red circle with a white or yellow dot in the middle.
- Nodules – Referred to as nodular acne, this severe type of acne consists of large, hard bumps deep under the skin. These bumps are much larger than the lesions you typically see in mild forms of acne, and can be painful.
- Cysts – Known as cystic acne, look very much like a nodule. The difference is that cysts are filled with pus. Cystic acne materializes when the infected area of a zit or pustule breaks out from under the skin. As a consequential reaction, the body's defenses attempt to attack the infection which often causes swelling and pain. Cystic acne is notoriously known for causing facial scarring
Some acne types are cured more easily than others.
Now that you know how the different types of acne are categorized, you should know there are names for the different types of acne a person can get.
Names for Acne Types
- Acne vulgaris – Is really the name for all types of acne, but when people talk about acne vulgaris, they are usually referring to the most common types of acne. It is identified by zits and blemishes, and often called facial acne.
- Comedonal acne - Identified as whiteheads and blackheads, and with no other kinds of skin lesions. This is a non-inflammatory form of acne.
- Acne cosmetica - Caused by make-up. It's recognized by tiny pink bumps. Acne cosmetica is often mild with minimal chance of scars occurring.
- Acne medicamentosa – A type of acne that is a response to certain medications, that mess with hormones. Adult females are highly prone to experience acne medicamentosa when they begin or stop taking birth control pills.
- Nodular acne – A severe type of acne, consisting of nodules deep in the skin.
- Cystic acne – Also severe, acne consisting of pus filled cysts deep into the skin.
- Acne Conglobata – An extremely severe type of acne, that is more common in men. Can cause major damage to the skin, and is found on the face, back, chest, buttocks, arms, and legs. They tend to connect beneath the skin which increases the risk of severe bacterial infection and widespread scarring.
- Acne Fulminans – A form of acne conglobata that strikes quickly. Can cause a fever and aching joints. Potential loss of appetite or weight is common. Early medical support is highly recommended.
- Gram-negative Folliculitis – While not exactly a form of acne, this condition can occur due to a long antibiotic treatment for acne. It is characterized by pustules and cysts, and luckily is rare, but just another example of the side effects of acne antibiotics.
- Pyoderma Faciale – A severe type of acne that affects only women and occurs on the face. It is identified by large, painful nodules and cysts.
These are the most common types of acne. The most important thing you need to know is that almost all types of acne can be cured. Obviously, the more severe forms you will want to seek medical attention for if you are not already. For those with the more common types of mild and moderate acne, we recommend an all natural approach to treating acne. The Acne no More system has shown amazing results for treating acne. If you have not seen this system, do yourself a favor and check it out. A clear, acne free face won’t be far behind.
Even babies can have acne.
