What Are the Types of Acne?
Acne, which affects teenagers and young adults, is usually defined as an inflamed, infected lesion on the skin that results in pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or other forms of acne vulgaris. Noninflammatory acne refers to those clogged pores which appear as whiteheads or blackheads. It is the easiest type to treat and is typically the least severe form. Blackheads generally have a grayish-white appearance and may appear very flat against the face.
Noninflammatory acne usually clears within two weeks. The problem with noninfective acne is that it does not promote the formation of acne bacteria. To help prevent future outbreaks, you should wash your face at least twice a day using a mild cleanser containing alpha hydroxy acid, an exfoliating cleanser, and a moisturizer. Be sure to choose a gentle cleanser. If you have very sensitive skin, you should see your dermatologist for an appropriate cleanser.
If you have moderate to severe inflammatory acne, which results in large pustules, whiteheads, and/or severe scarring, you may require more aggressive treatment. The type of treatment you need depends on your skin type. If you have more sensitive skin, you may require a dermatologist’s intervention to avoid further scarring. In this case, your treatment plan will include a strong cleanser, antibiotic, and/or retinoid cream.
The three different types of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. Cystic acne is more severe than any of the other types. It generally results in large, painful pustules which are surrounded by redness and eventually turn into a comedone, or blackhead. In this case, you will also need to consult a dermatologist because not all types of acne result in blackheads and cysts.
Whitehead and blackheads are the less severe forms of acne. They typically consist of small pustules that are often greenish in color. They are usually associated with normal shedding of dead skin cells. A comedone will form when a hair follicle gets clogged by dead skin and debris. You can remove a whitehead or blackhead using a medicated soap and water, or you can extract the someone using a scalpel or a pore extractor.
Papules are smaller than whiteheads and pustules and are generally associated with oily skin. A papule is essentially a blackhead with a skin texture similar to that of a whitehead. You will need to consult a dermatologist if you have blackheads and/or pustules, as they are slightly more stubborn than whiteheads and pustules.