The Most Common Types of Acne
You’ve probably not spent much time thinking about it but there are actually several different types of acne. Dermatologists call the most common type of acne, acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris, however, is only an umbrella term for several different subcategories of acne.
Of the types of acne, acne vulgaris often manifests itself in the least intense versions, as far as acne goes. Dermatologists identify acne vulgaris’ subcategories by appearance.
Whiteheads
This kind of pimple results from occluded pores where oils, bacteria, and damaged dermal matter get trapped. The outside of these pimples take on a milky hue, thus giving the pimple its name. Whiteheads are much shorter lived than other forms of pimples.
Blackheads
The dark color of these types of acne results from a chemical reaction between melanin and oxygen. Blackheads form when the pores are only partially obstructed and the bacteria, oils and dead dermal matter escape onto the surface of the skin.
Papules
A papule is a raw, irritated pimple with no head. Individuals should not pick at papules as doing so may lead to scarring.
Pustule
A pustule is like a papule crossed with a whitehead. It is an irritated pimple with a vermillion underbelly but a milky head. Of all the types of pimples, it is the very most common.
More Intense Forms of Acne Vulgaris
Unlike the kinds of acne we’ve looked at to this point, this is a more intense form of acne. It can occur as either a sub-dermal nodule or a pus-filled cyst. It is usually much larger than regular acne, and may be much more painful and long lasting. This form of acne forms under the dermas. If untreated or improperly treated, this kind of acne is likely to leave scarring. This type of acne requires a licensed dermatologist if the sufferer hopes to avoid long term marks/scars. Typically, the dermatologist will treat this kind of acne with the hormone cortisone.
Rosacea
Rosacea presents as a strawberry colored rash on the cheeks, making the sufferer look as if they are in a constant intense blush. Usually, though not always, this surface will be pocked or otherwise speckled with tiny pimples or other discolorations. Although you will sometimes find whiteheads popping up in and around the affected area, blackheads will not be present.
Unlike other forms of acne, rosacea often occurs in older individuals as well as younger. Rosacea has certain unusual gender characteristics, as well. It occurs in women more, but when it does occur in men, it is substantially more severe. In fact, when left un-medicated in men, rosacea often results in a condition termed rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is a condition where the rosacea advances over the sufferer’s nose, impairing certain glands and killing the skin cells. This makes the tip of the nose blow up into a veined, flaky ball of red skin.
People often associate this bulbous nosed look with drunks rather than acne; however, there is a slight connection in that the condition is far worse in individuals who drink too much alcohol.
You will need a licensed dermatologist to treat rosacea.
Other More Intense Types of Acne
Although there are other even more intense types of acne such as acne conglobata and pyoderma, these other types are also far rarer. These other types also tend to come in far more intensely and to spread over more regions of the body. If you fear you may have a more intense version of acne, then you should seek the help of a dermatologist. Several treatments for acne include not only medication but also certain lifestyle and dietary changes.
Given the recent advances in dermatology, there is no need to live with a skin condition like acne.