Acne Types - Acne Medical Resources

Acne Types
Acne Vulgaris Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne. It is considered an abnormal response to normal levels of the male harmone testosterone. The response for most people diminishes over time and acne thus tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches their early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later, into their thirties and forties and even beyond. It includes several types of pimples. These acne lesions include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

Mild to Moderate acne vulgaris consists of the following types of acne spots:

* Whiteheads
* Blackheads
* Papules

Whiteheads: Whiteheads are formed when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. In other words, Whiteheads are a combination of oils, sebum and cellular fragments that produce firm to hard plugs within hair follicles. They are closed from the skin's surface by cellular debris at the follicle opening. Because they have no contact with oxygen, they do not oxidize or turn brown, as blackheads do. They form a light or yellow-white lump and are called milia (or milium, singular). When bacteria is added to these plugs, the condition can lead to acne, especially cystic acne.Whiteheads are promoted by excessive cellular exfoliation, which quickly clog or block the follicles. Some skin specialists believe individuals with frequent and multiple blackheads and whiteheads produce sebum that is drier than normal and conducive to forming firm plugs. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads

Blackheads: These appear when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color of a black head is caused by reaction of the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. A blackhead is much more stable than a white head and takes a long time to clear. When bacteria is added to black heads, the condition can lead to acne

Papules: Dermatologists call any small solid circumscribed bump in the skin a papule, as opposed to a vesicle which contains fluid or a macule which is flat and even with the surrounding skin. Papules are normally inflamed, pink or red in color. Squeezing a papule is not recommended as it might lead to scarring

Severe acne vulgaris results in:

* Nodulesis
* Cysts

Nodules: As opposed to the lesions mentioned above, nodular acne consists of acne spots which are much larger, can be quite painful and can sometimes last for months. Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin's surface. Scarring is common. Absolutely do not attempt to squeeze such a lesion. You may cause severe trauma to the skin and the lesion may last for months longer than it normally would. Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and preventing scarring.

Cysts: An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled, and has been described as having a diameter of 5mm or more across. They can be painful. Again, scarring is common with cystic acne. Squeezing an acne cyst may cause a deeper infection and more painful inflammation which will last much longer than if you had left it alone. Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and preventing scarring.

Acne Rosacea can look similar to the aforementioned acne vulgaris, and the two types of acne are sometimes confused for one another.

Rosacea affects millions of people, generally females above the age of 30. It affects the middle third of the face, and symptoms include skin redness and swelling in the areas that typically flush when we’re excited or embarrassed; telangiectases (the appearance of broken blood vessels), and, occasionally, acne-like papules and pustules. For this reason, rosacea is often misdiagnosed as acne and treated with acne medications. Without appropriate medical treatment Rosacea can cause swelling of the nose and excessive tissue growth resulting in a condition known as Rhinophyma.

Rosacea tends to be more frequent in women but more severe in men. If you think you may have rosacea, see a dermatologist right away. While there is no known cure for this condition, it is treatable – and early treatment will help prevent permanent damage to your skin.

Acne Mechanica is the acne that develops when skin is under pressure, is undergoing friction, is covered tightly or is exposed to heat.

Some situations when Acne Mechanica may form are-

Tight clothing that rubs against the skin, Synthetic clothing that does not allow skin to breathe, Pressure of backpacks.

Some examples of such pressure that may cause acne mechanica are-

Poeple carrying backpacks, athletes wearing a tight headband, women wearing bras with tight straps etc. Any situation during which the skin is tightly covered with cloth, rubbed and pressurized makes it vulnerable to acne mechanica. For example- people who wear very tight clothes made of synthetic material may get acne mechanica.

Who are more prone to acne mechanica?

Those who have a tendency to develop body acne are more prone to acne mechanica. Those with very small comedones are prone to it. When these small comedones are subjected to mechanical pressure and friction, they flare up as acne mechanica.

The treatment of acne mechanica is similar to that of Acne vulgaris. To learn more about acne treatments, click here - Acne Treatments.

To Avoid Acne Mechanica-

Wear loose fitting cotton clothing,
Avoid headbands,
Avoid constant pressure on the skin by any object,
Keep skin clean of perspiration.
Wearing cotton clothes that breathe under your regular clothes may help.
Washing yourself thoroughly after removing the irritating baggage/object may help.

Severe Forms of Acne are rare, but they are a great hardship to the people who experience them, and can be disfiguring and, like all forms of acne, can have psychological effects on the sufferer.

Severe forms of acne comprise of:

* Acne Conglobata
* Acne Fulminans
* Gram-Negative Folliculitis
* Pyoderma Faciale

Acne Conglobata: This is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and is more common in males. It is characterized by numerous large lesions, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread blackheads. It can cause severe, irrevocable damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring. It is found on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. The age of onset for acne conglobata is usually between 18 and 30 years, and the condition can stay active for many years. As with all forms of acne, the cause of acne conglobata is unknown. Treatment usually includes isotretinoin (Accutane), and although acne conglobata is sometimes resistant to treatment, it can often be controlled through aggressive treatment over time.

Acne Fulminans: This is an abrupt onset of acne conglobata which normally afflicts young men. Symptoms of severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne are apparent. As with acne conglobata, extreme, disfiguring scarring is common. Acne fulminans is unique in that it also includes a fever and aching of the joints. Acne fulminans does not respond well to antibiotics. Isotretinoin (Accutane) and oral steroids are normally prescribed.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication resulting from a long term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris. It is a rare condition, and we do not know if it is more common in males or females at this time. Fortunately, isotretinoin (Accutane) is often effective in combating gram-negative folliculitis.

Pyoderma Faciale: This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by painful large nodules, pustules and sores which may leave scarring. It begins abruptly, and may occur on the skin of a woman who has never had acne before. It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a very short time.