Chelsea-9
Although the general term acne is commonly used, did you know that there are many different types of acne? Acne can occur at any age for anyone, although it is most likely to affect teenagers. Acne occurs when pores become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. While acne is not usually a sign of poor health, it can be emotionally distressing and can lead to scarring depending on its severity and treatment. So, what are the different types of acne, how can you tell the difference, and how do you treat it?
Acne is a general term used to describe all types of acne, even though there are four distinct types of acne. These 4 types include comedones, papules and pustules, nodules, and cystic acne. Different causes of acne can be identified based on the type of acne that is occurring.
Source: https://www.vucare.com/2021/03/11/types-of-acne-how-to-tell-the-difference/
A comedo is a hair follicle that has become plugged by excess oil and dead skin cells. If the comedo is open at the surface of the skin, then it is categorized as a blackhead. If the comedo is closed at the surface, it is categorized as a whitehead. Comedones are often small and flesh colored. You typically find comedones on the forehead and chin. All types of comedones create a bumpy texture on the skin.
Papules and pustules are comedones that have become inflamed. Papules will appear as small red or pink bumps on the skin’s surface. There is no pus present in a papule, although most papules will become pustules. Pustules, also known as whiteheads, are papules that have become infected and have a red ring that appears around the white bump.
Nodular acne can often be mistaken for papules and vice versa. The difference in these types of acne are nodules form deep within the skin’s surface. These nodules are hard and painful to the touch. These nodules can last for weeks and even months and can eventually form cysts in the layers of the skin’s if left untreated. Nodular acne is a severe type of acne and can often be confused with cystic acne.
Cystic acne is one of the most severe types of acne. Cysts can be mistaken for nodules due to similar appearance and pain level. However, cysts are pus filled rather than hard to the touch.
If you’re one of the millions of people who deal with persistent acne, you might be asking, how can I get acne-free skin?
Whether you have mild vs moderate acne, or even severe acne, will determine the appropriate treatment needed. Nevertheless, a few tips for clearer skin include:
For moderate acne or severe acne, your dermatologist may prescribe acne medication in addition to a consistent skin care regimen. Common acne medications for moderate and severe acne include Tretinoin Cream (0.025% and .1%); Dapsone Gel; Clindamycin 1% Lotion; Adapalene Gel; Acne Wash; and Isotretinoin.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, cosmetic, and pediatric dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see our three locations.
