Different Types of Acne

Acne appears in lots of nasty ways, so this post is going to tell you about the different types of acne and how they are caused. Although I haven’t covered every single form of acne, this will give you a good overview of the most common ones. The vast majority of people will be dealing with acne that falls into one of the categories mentioned below.

WHITEHEADS

One of the most common types of acne, whiteheads are also known as a closed comedo. When the pores become blocked from excess oil, a whitehead will form. The blockage happens beneath the skin surface, so all you see is the pimple with a white head on it full of pus.

BLACKHEADS

Blackheads are very similar to whiteheads, except they are a open comedo. All this means is that the top part is open (on a whitehead it is closed). Due to this, the air gets in and turns the sebum oil a black colour, hence the name blackheads.

PUSTULES

These are like whiteheads, except they are inflamed and angry! They are just ripe for popping, but don’t do that. Let it go away of its own accord. Ice packs can help with this type of acne to freeze the zit and reduce the inflammation.

PAPULES

These are basically pustules without the white head on them. They are usually quite sore and irritating, but can also be soothed a little with ice packs.

CYSTIC ACNE

This type of acne forms deeper in the skin and shows on the surface as a big red pus filled bump, or cyst. The risk of getting acne scars is at its highest from cystic acne. They must be handled with extreme care and you should avoid touching them.



NODULES

These are similar to cysts except they usually are not filled with pus.

ACNE ROSACEA

This one is much more common for adults. It is most noticeable due to the red rash that comes with it. The rash normally covers areas of the face. This type of acne is one that will generally become more irritated and red with the use of the typical acne treatments such as Benzoyl Peroxide.

ACNE CONGLOBATA

This one is probably the nastiest of them all. Lots of blackheads, marks, redness, bumps and lesions. It can also contribute significantly to acne scars.