Understanding what types of acne you have can play a major role in your ability to get rid of it. It’s important to be careful when handling a zit or any other name you give it because there are specific cures and managements that need to take place. Even though squeezing your pimple may clear it up, it’s also possible that a scar will develop. In some cases there are even infections that develop. There are 3 types of acne that range from; mild, moderate, and severe. If you’re dealing with a mild case it will clear up on its own. Those who are experiencing worse cases should seek a professional treatment and follow-up regimen from a dermatologist.
What is mild to moderate acne?
When dealing with these levels you could have; whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules. These are considered acne vulgaris, and severe cases will include nodules and cysts.
- Whiteheads- This is just trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells. It’s due to the pore being blocked and the most common spot for these is around the nose. The good news is they clear up faster than blackheads.
- Blackheads- The only difference between these and whiteheads is that the pore is partially blocked. The reason for the color is because of the melanin reacting to oxygen in the air.
- Papules- These are those red, inflamed, and tender types of acne that have no heads. Instead they are just bumps.
- Pustules- This is your normal zit that happens to be inflamed, have red circles around it, and a white or yellow center.
- Nodules- The worst part about nodules is that they can last for months. They are bigger than any of the other types of acne above. They are also extremely painful and can easily leave you with scarring.
- Cysts- This is the biggest form of acne out there and offer 5mm of diameter. These are also painful and contain vast amounts of pus in them. They also leave scarring.
If you have mild acne, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a mild problem. Most individuals suffering from this still spend a lot of time looking for a cure.
How is acne rosacea different from acne vulgaris?
The reason these two are usually confused is because of the similar appearance. Here are a few distinct characteristics of acne rosacea:
- red rash develops on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin
- bumps, pimples and skin blemishes accompanying the red rash
- visible blood vessels on the skin
- absence of blackhead
Anyone ages 30 and over are usually the sufferers of acne rosacea.
Understanding the severe types of acne
If you want us to go medical then look out for words like; acne conglobata, acne fulminans, gram-negative folliculitis, pyoderma faciale, or even rosacea fulminans. However, these are really rare, which is why you probably haven’t heard about most of them.
- Acne Conglobata- By far the most severe form, this issue offers several lesions that are big in size and are interconnected. The most notable spots you will find this form of acne is on the face, chest, back, upper arms, buttocks, or thighs. It can lead to scarring and disfiguring of the skin, and is more frequently found in males between the ages of 18-30.
- Acne Fulminans- There are several symptoms that can surface from acne fulminans. These include; nodulocystic and ulcerating acne, fever, and even aching joints. Young males can also end up with this as well.
- Gram-Negative Folliculitis- Unlike other types of acne, gram-negative folliculitis can develop due to complications from long term antibiotics used to treat acne vulgaris. Eventually a bacterial infection develops and pustules or cysts surface.
- Pyoderma Faciale- If you’re a woman between the ages of 20 and 40 you could end up with pyoderma faciale. These are large nodules, pustules, or sores that offer intense pain. The difference between pyoderma faciale and other types of acne is that it comes out of nowhere, even if the woman has never had a history of acne at all.