Acne - 5 Different Kinds of Acne

The birth of the zit may be constant, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that the pimple will always be the same. Different types of pimples can pop out from the same face. But all pimples start as a comendo, which is a lesion caused by oil and bacteria that plug the pores. Basically, a comendo is waiting to grow into a pimple. The pimple itself has many classifications. Some pimples do not necessarily have pus or redness.

1. Blackheads and Whiteheads
Blackheads are considered as acne, and this kind is called an open comendo. The blackness, despite common notions, is not caused by dirt or bacteria but by the collection of melanin. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are created because the lesions are formed underneath the skin and are closed. This causes to create small, white bumps in the face or body. Both whiteheads and blackheads are considered as non-inflammatory acne.

2. Papule
The most annoying and irritating type of acne is the inflammatory kind. Under this kind of acne, there are more different types. One is called the Papule, which is the mildest form of inflammatory acne. It is seen as a small pink bump, but this could also be a bridge towards more severe acne that will become inflammatory lesions.

3. Pustules
Pustules are a more severe kind of acne, which is visibly inflamed and where pus can also be seen. People can differentiate it because it has a red base and it has a white or yellow center. This may look like it has bacteria in it. This is not the case, however. Pustules just have a chemical reaction between the sebum, which causes irritation.

4. Nodules or Cysts
Nodules or cysts are probably the worst. They are big and typically painful, especially to the touch. These cysts are inflamed and are pus-filled lesions that dig deep in the skin. This is formed when the comendo has spread in the surrounding skin.

Since the body senses this as an infection, the immune system sends white blood cells to abate the problem. Part of the solution process needs the production of pus, which is why there is pus in some pimples. The severest of this kind of acne can last up to weeks or even months. And since it is deep within the skin, this also causes the deepest scars.

5. Conglobata
Another type of acne is acne conglobata. This is a rare form of acne and it is usually found at the back, chest or buttocks. The rarity suggests that it is especially severe, because besides the formation of the nodules and pustules, the area may also have bacterial infection.

The best first step in treating acne is to have knowledge about it and how to treat it. Relying on commercially available products may do the trick but this does not happen all the time.

It is still best to ask a dermatologist for help especially when confusion ensues. They cannot only identify what kind of acne it is, but also how to treat it the right way. Different types of acne suggest that there are different ways to treat them and relying on preconceived notions to treat the acne isn’t really the best idea.