Acne is basically categorized into non-inflammatory and inflammatory types. All types of acne start with plugged-up pores. Dermatologists determine the type of acne that you have through a simple visual inspection of your skin.
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| Kind Of Acne |
Non-inflammatory Types
Blackheads and Whiteheads
Dead skin cells, oil (sebum) and bacteria block the pores on your skin and cause small bumps referred to as blackheads or whiteheads. They may not have redness or inflammation. Dermatologists refer to them as comedones.
If the plugged pore remains open, it is called a blackhead. The reason for the occurrence of blackheads is not trapped dirt. The black color is because of melanin, the skin pigment, build up and oxidation of sebum.
If the plugged pore closes up, the bump appears to be white in color. Therefore, the whitehead is a closed comedone. The surface of the pore is covered by a thin skin, trapping the plug within the pore. This prevents the oil from oxidizing and turning gray.
It is easy to treat blackheads and whiteheads.
Inflammatory Types
Papules and pustules
Sometimes, blocked pores get irritated and their walls break, which results in the break out of bigger pimples referred to as papules and pustules. Papules, small- to medium-sized and pink or red bumps, feel hard when you touch them.
Pustules are similar to papules, but they appear yellowish at the center because of the pus (a collection of dead white blood cells) present in them and red at the base. They look like blisters. Pustules are formed when the blocked pores trap bacteria and become infected. The greater the infection, the larger and redder will be the pustule.
It is slightly difficult to treat papules and pustules.
Nodules and cysts
Nodules are large, hard and painful bumps that extend into the skin’s deeper layers. On the other hand, a cyst has a sac-like structure that is filled with liquid material such as red as well as white blood cells, bacteria and oil. They are softer, but cystic lesions can last for many weeks or even months and cause permanent scars. Therefore, it is important that you visit a dermatologist for treatment.
Acne disappears after some time, but it may leave a red/dark mark on your skin. Over time, these marks also fade, but it can take a few days, weeks, or even months. Sometimes, the scars caused by acne are permanent. These scars can cause either bumps or dents on your skin. A dermatologist can help you to get rid of some of these scars.