Different Types of Acne.
There are many different types of acne. Understanding the variations between these can make treatment a lot easier. e.g Cystic acne treatment will be significantly different than treating mild or moderate acne types of acne. These acne conditions are classified in terms of there severity of impact on the skin as under:
The size, shape and color does vary in different types of acne. A physical examination and listening to the patient helps doctor to determine what kind of treatment to prescribe and for how long.
Mild Acne
Comedonal acne are non-inflammatory lesions mainly manifested as blackheads and whiteheads. Home remedies for acne work very well on these types of acne.
Whiteheads is a result of completely blocked pores, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells. This is reflected by a white appearance on the skin surface. The walls of the follicle sometimes rupture resulting in irritated and red skin. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads. White heads tend to heal faster as compared to blackheads.
Blackheads are manifested when pores are only partially blocked. This semi blockage allows some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to gradually drain to the surface. The black color is caused by the reaction of the melanin (skin's own pigment) with the atmospheric oxygen. Blackheads are more stable structures and take longer to heal as compared to white heads.
Moderate Acne
The Moderate acne conditions are deep-rooted inflamed lesions and are more painful. They can cause acne scars. Therefore it is really important to treat them early.
Papules are small red bumps without a visible head on the tip. They usually occur on the cheek or along the hairline where very fine hair grows. The skin turns red in the presence of bacteria below the skin surface. This causes a mild infection. Papules are seen slightly elevated above the skin and usually are less than 5 millimeters in size.
Pustules look similar to whiteheads or even Papules containing pus on top of the surface. They are inflamed and visible as red circles with a yellow center. The size of Pustules varies. They are clearly differentiated as red, swollen and tender. They are usually formed when papules are not treated well.
Severe Acne
Severe types of acne are deep rooted inflammatory lesions. Nodules and cysts are part of this group of acne. They are painful and produce scarring.
Nodules are much larger in size. Nodules are hard bumps under the skin's surface. They can sometimes last for months and they are very painful. Scarring is very common. One should not squeeze such a lesion as this may cause severe trauma of the skin and the lesion may last much longer than it normally should. Dermatologists help is required for lessening swelling and preventing scarring.
Cysts are the most severe type of acne. They are like large boils or large pus-filled lumps under the surface of the skin. They can be painful and scarring is very common. When the follicle ruptures which frequently does, spreads the bacteria within the skin forming red painful blemishes. With out the help of dermatologists it is very difficult to prevent scarring.
Different types of acne must be handled differently and your dermatologist should be able to guide you properly.
Find more information on causes, symptoms, prevention methods and home remedies for acne in the other related articles:
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