The Different Types of Acne

Most people will experience at least on pimple in their life times. Pimples are formed in clogged pores or hair follicles. The follicle becomes clogged with shed skin particles, bacteria and sebum oil. The increased sebum oil is a food source to the naturally occurring bacteria on your skin. The bacterium grows and expands causing inflammation or what we know as a pimple. There are several types of pimples and even though they are common, different people may require different treatments to cure them. This article will cover some of those issues.

When a comedo is closed, bacteria cannot reach it therefore it remain non-inflammatory. The skin cells and oil remain beneath the skin and make a small white bump. These are commonly referred to as whiteheads.

When the comedo is open, it will have a dark look to it, which is why they are called blackheads. This happens because the clog has pushed through the surface of the skin. Many people think the dark coloring indicates dirt; however, it is merely the build up of the skin pigment melanin. These are an example of an inflammatory type of acne.

A papule is a stepping-stone between inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. These appear as small pink blemishes on the skin. They may be sore to the touch and appear slightly infected.

Like papules, pustules are small circular blemishes. They differ in that pustules are definitely infected and will contain pus. They are red and irritated and may have a white or yellow “head” on them. Pustules are not necessarily filled with bacteria but may be inflamed due to a chemical reaction from the build up of sebum oils.

The most painful acne is a nodular or cystic lesion. These nodules are buried deep with in the skin and are inflamed. They occur when the contents of a comedo spread to the skin around it. Your immune system will then attack the foreign object creating infection or pus. These can be very persistent types of acne taking a long time to heal. They have been known to last weeks or months and leave serious scarring in their path.

Acne conglobata is a rare and serious form of cystic acne. It is characterized by burrowing interconnected abscesses beneath the skin. These nodules can occur on the back, buttocks, chest or face. They will produce a foul smelling discharge the recurs after it is expressed. There are many reasons it may form and usually requires medical treatment.

Acne cosmetica is acne caused or worsened by cosmetics. The materials in cosmetics may block the pilosebaceous. It appears much as other mild forms of acne, small pink blemishes that can occur anywhere the cosmetic is used. This presented cosmetic manufactures many problems in the early years, but with the scientific advances today, this is a rare occurrence.

It is very important that you know what type of acne you are experiencing before you attempt to treat it. All acne is not the same in pattern or appearance, nor is everyone's reaction to it the same. What works for one person may not work for another. Find out the origin of your acne and you will be far ahead in treating it.

If left untreated acne can be a serious problem. Chris Gibson, who was once a chronic acne sufferer, found a scientically proven way to permanently clear his acne problem. In fact he cured his acne in 3 days without any harsh prescription drugs or over-the-counter products. In this well researched book Chris revealed the fast and easy way to get rid of your pimples, zits, whiteheads and blackheads.

The Different Types of Acne