Acne is a skin condition that affects many people to the point of utter frustration. Acne occurs when hair follicles become packed with oil and dead skin cells.
It is very common in teenagers but it can affect all ages.
There are different types of acne you might have noticed but have never known that there are specific names given to different types of acne according to how they look, how they form, and the kind of treatment used. Let’s learn about the 6 different types.
Types of acne
- Whiteheads
Whiteheads are also known as Closed Comedones occur when your skin pores are clogged by too much oil, skin cells, or bacteria. A white bump is formed on top of the skin which brings the urge to pop it which can lead to scarring. Doctors advise most patients not to pop the whiteheads.
Treatments for this type of acne will concentrate mostly on helping to remove the excess dead cells and are mostly oils applied to the body surface.
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- Blackheads
Blackheads are another type of acne and they are also known as Open Comedones. They look black on the skin’s surface and can be removed by squeezing on them leaving part of the pore still lodged on the skin’s surface. Treatment for this is the same as for blackheads.
- Papules
Papules are tiny red bumps formed on the skin surface due to the blockage caused by oil or excess skin which then mixes with the bacteria on the skin.
When the contents in the pore ooze out they mix with these bacteria leading to the skin being affected by papules.
Treatment for this type of acne is mostly done using antibiotics to combat the bacteria. Other common forms of treatment are usually aimed at stopping the problematic excess oil production.
- Pustules
The fourth type of acne is called Pustules. With this type of skin inflammation, tiny bumps with red inflamed skin usually form on the back, chest, and face of the affected person.
This type of acne, unlike other types, forms when the pore gets infected although it can also be caused by changes in hormone levels in the body.
Pus is noticed in this type of acne where squeezing is highly discouraged as it may cause the bacteria causing the infection to spread more. Antibiotics are often used with this type of acne to help get rid of the pus.
- Nodules
Nodules are the next classification in the types of acne where flesh or reddish-colored bumps appear deep under the skin surface and cause painful infections deep within the skin pore. Treatment is a bit different and must involve a dermatologist who may need to intervene with certain prescriptions of antibiotics and if this doesn’t work the doctor then goes ahead to drain the nodules.
- Cysts
The last type of acne is Cysts which is the worst case of acne. They are usually large, filled with pus red, and painful.
The pus infects the surrounding skin causing the infection to spread. This is usually the hardest acne to treat and you need your dermatologist to carefully guide you on medication to treat the stubborn affliction.
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Adult Acne
Adult acne is a form of acne vulgaris that can affect adults over 30 years of age. Those who had no problems with acne as a teenager have found that they are having breakouts. But because acne is normally associated with the hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, its appearance in an adult should be investigated to determine the underlying causes–especially if it appears for the first time in adulthood.
The following are at least three reasons why acne appears after 30 years of age:
- Often the acne that one had as an adolescent resurfaces later in adulthood. It is not always clear why this happens, but it is one reason for its presence in adults.
- In women, acne often reappears during pregnancy where there had been no activity for months, if not years. This could also be true in the case of woman during their menstrual period. 3
- . Thirdly, acne can appear in adults for the first time who have never had it before. Now with this third reason, it might be more obvious that something unusual is going on and it might be wise to talk to a dermatologist or at least your family physician.
- Often the acne that one had as an adolescent resurfaces later in adulthood. It is not always clear why this happens, but it is one reason for its presence in adults.
- In women, acne often reappears during pregnancy where there had been no activity for months, if not years. This could also be true in the case of woman during their menstrual period. 3
- . Thirdly, acne can appear in adults for the first time who have never had it before. Now with this third reason, it might be more obvious that something unusual is going on and it might be wise to talk to a dermatologist or at least your family physician.
With some reasons established, we can now mention some of the possible causes of adult acne:
- Medication. As has been stated previously, some medications can induce acne. Anabolic steroids, anti-epileptic medications, anti-tuberculosis drugs rifampin and isoniazid, lithium and medications that contain iodine.
- Chronic physical pressure on the skin. Whether chaffing from wearing a helmet or carrying a backpack, such pressure against the skin can lead breakouts. (See acne mechanica)
- Chlorinated industrial chemicals. Working in certain types of industrial environments can cause acne-like symptoms or even chloracne, an occupational skin disorder caused by prolonged exposure to chemicals like chlorinated dioxins.
- Metabolic changes. With changes in the body’s hormonal balance, such as those present during pregnancy or menstruation can produce acne in adults.
Rosacea
Though often misdiagnosed as acne, rosacea is, in fact, not acne. Rosacea affects thousands of people in the U.S. alone, mostly those over the age of 30. It generally appears as a red rash confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
This redness is often accompanied by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes–the reason it is so commonly mistaken for acne. Further, this redness is also linked to the fact that blood vessels may become more visible on the skin. Rosacea has been shown to be more prevalent in women than in men, but often if found in men it tends to be more severe.
If you are seeking treatment and you think it may actually be rosacea, you need to be aware that the treatments differ quite a bit from those used in the care of acne vulgaris.
Acne Mechanica
This form of acne is caused by external mechanical forces like constant pressure, constant and repeated friction, covered skin, and heat.
For those involved in sports, in the military or in high-activity jobs, this is nothing new as the condition is common with many athletes and in professions where factors like tight-fitting, even restrictive clothing is worn for extended periods of time.
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These sort of jobs may include certain kinds of factory work where an employee may be busy with repetitive tasks that may irritate the skin and lead to break outs.
For soldiers who must wear uniforms much of the time and may be carrying backpacks with straps that bite into the skin and cause friction with each step or straps on weapons that can also rub again the body this can become a real issue.
Operating in the extremes of temperatures that these soldiers often do can also often complicate existent acne by causing inflammation and further breakouts.
Further examples of possible causes may include:
– Wearing head bands that can rub the forehead and irritate the skin
– The kind of friction caused by physical contact with musical instruments for extended periods of time
– Wearing tight clothing period; whether it is blue jeans or types of undergarments made with synthetic materials
– Even bra straps if they happen to fit snuggly against the skin
Acne Cosmetica
Often women who regularly wear make up or cosmetics find that they are getting breakouts on the forehead or cheeks. It may be what is called acne cosmetica. This form of acne is generally caused by the type of cosmetics that a person is using.
Pomade Acne
When hairstyles change, it is not uncommon for teenagers and young adults to adopt new styles. But, sometimes a new style requires the use of a thick, oily hair cosmetic called pomade. Pomade is generally used when a hairstyle requires that curly hair be straightened or hair be molded into various shapes.
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One of the undesired effects of pomade use may be pomade acne. Pomade acne occurs on the scalp, forehead, and temples where pomade comes into contact with the skin.
Most, if not all, pomades fall into the category of comedogenic – or pore clogging – cosmetics. The heavy oils used in pomades can clog skin, setting the stage for the formation of comedones. In addition, some of the other chemicals in pomades may irritate the skin, contributing to inflammation.
Excoriated Acne
The term excoriated means to scratch or abrade the skin. Now when we bring this term into the context of acne we have what is called excoriated acne. This type of acne is defined by the behavior of the person suffering from it. When such a person obsessively picks and scrapes at every pimple and blemish on their skin, they are said to have excoriated acne. Because of the excessive nature of the attention given to the sufferer’s skin, deep irritation can result as well as scarring.
Though it may appear to others as a mild form of acne, without pustules or nodules, to the person dealing with it, this condition may be intolerable. This almost psychological urge to get rid of one’s skin lesions or blemish can become very damaging. As such, it is recommended that a dermatologist be sought for treatment.
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Infantile Acne
This form of acne occurs in newborns and is concentrated on the nose and cheeks. It is caused by the hormonal changes that have occurred will the fetus was developing in the womb. Typically, the acne clears up in matter of weeks without treatment.
However, infantile acne has a serious aspect that must be considered. If simple cleansing with mild soap and water will not clear the acne up then a mild topical agent (such as a prescription form of benzoyl peroxide for infants) helps both the current situation and prevents scarring. If this does not help, then a dermatologist may need to be consulted.
Things to note:
– Family History. Genetics might be a factor in the development of acne in the infant. Do the child’s parents or siblings have acne or did they have it in the past?
– Early hormone production. It may be that the infant has a condition that causes early production of sex hormones–especially androgen which is linked to acne. If this is the case, then medical help should be sought to avoid problems with the child’s development.
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-Growth and developmental abnormalities. Acne at such an early stage in the child’s life could indicate developmental problems that might not show up until later. A pediatrician should be consulted to find out if this might be a possibility.
- Drug-induced acne or acneiform eruption. It could be that the child has been exposed to certain medications that can cause acne or acneiform lesions. Examples of such drugs include corticosteroids and those that contain iodine.
DISCLAIMER
While this guide is meant to provide you with the information you need to combat acne, it is highly recommend that you consult a physician before you begin any form of treatment for your acne.
If you have any side effects as a result of the following information, consult a physician immediately.
I am not a doctor, and this is provided for informational purposes only.
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