While acne is a common skin condition, did you know that there are many different types of acne? Acne can occur at any age for anyone, although it most commonly affects teenagers. Acne occurs when pores become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. While acne is not usually a sign of poor health, it can be emotionally distressing and can lead to scarring depending on its severity and treatment. So, what are the different types of acne, how can you tell the difference, and how do you treat it? Let’s dive in.
What are the different types of acne?
Acne is a general term used to describe all types of acne, even though there are four distinct types of acne. These 4 types include comedones, papules and pustules, nodules, and cystic acne. Different causes of acne can be identified based on the type of acne that is occurring.
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Comedones
A comedo is a hair follicle that has become plugged by excess oil and dead skin cells. If the comedo is open at the surface of the skin, then it is categorized as a blackhead. If the comedo is closed at the surface, it is categorized as a whitehead. Comedones are often small and flesh colored. You typically find comedones on the forehead and chin. All types of comedones create a bumpy texture on the skin. Comedones are one of the types of acne that are still found in adulthood, especially for adults who have oily skin.
Although acne can occur for anyone, there are risk factors that can contribute to a higher chance of comedones forming. These include smoking, high humidity, picking previous and current comedones, and a diet that consists of a high intake of dairy, fats, and sugars. Comedonal acne requires long-term treatment due to the overactive sebaceous glands that contribute to comedones.
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Papules & Pustules
Papules and pustules are comedones that have become inflamed. Papules will appear as small red or pink bumps on the skin’s surface. They form when a comedone ruptures and the bacteria from inside the comedone is released into the layers of the skin. Your body then responds to this bacteria by becoming inflamed. Papules are often triggered by bacteria and excess oil production, as well as stress and diets that include too much sugar. There is no pus present in a papule, although most papules will become pustules.
Pustules, also known as whiteheads, are papules that have become infected and have a red ring that appears around the white bump. Pustules can grow quite large and can occur anywhere on the body. However, they are most commonly found on the back, face, and chest. Pustules can be painful to the touch.
Pustules are mostly commonly caused by hair follicles becoming plugged by excess oil and dead skin cells, which then become infected. Other causes for pustules include hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions to food, environmental allergens, and insect bites.
Papules and pustules can often be treated with over-the-counter acne medication. However, if these do not work after a few weeks of use or you begin to show other symptoms, such as large pustules that are extremely painful, an appointment with a dermatologist can help properly treat your acne.
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Nodules
Nodular acne can often be mistaken for papules and vice versa. The difference in these types of acne are nodules form deep within the skin’s surface. Nodules form when the bacteria p. acne becomes trapped in your pores along with the excess oil and dead skin cells that contribute to all types of acne. These nodules are hard and painful to the touch.
Nodules are bumps that can be skin colored but are more often red as they are inflamed. These nodules can last for weeks and even months and can eventually form cysts in the layers of the skin’s if left untreated. Nodular acne is a severe type of acne and can often be confused with cystic acne. Nodules cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications alone. You should always consult your dermatologist for your acne treatment plan.
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Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is one of the most severe types of acne. Cysts can be mistaken for nodules due to similar appearance and pain level. However, cysts are pus filled rather than hard to the touch. While most are often noticeable on the face, cystic acne can also occur on the back, neck, and shoulders.
Cystic acne can most often be found on people with oily skin. Teenagers, women, and adults with hormonal imbalances can suffer from cystic acne. Due to its severity, a treatment plan prescribed by your dermatologist will be most effective in treating cystic acne.
If you’re one of the millions of people who deal with persistent acne, you might be asking, how can I get acne-free skin?
How do you get clear skin?
While some types of acne are more common than others, all acne can be diagnosed on a spectrum. Whether you have mild vs moderate acne, or even severe acne, will determine the appropriate treatment needed. Nevertheless, no matter which of the different types of acne you are diagnosed with, there are some tips to be aware of. A few tips for clearer skin include:
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Avoid picking at your face (this can lead to scarring).
- Maintain a balanced diet and exercise regimen.
- Create habits that aid in minimizing stress.
It’s important to remember that for some, depending on the severity of acne, not all tips work the same. Some types of acne simply need a stronger treatment regimen provided by your dermatologist.
Treating Mild Acne
Mild acne is the lowest level on the spectrum and can often be treated with a consistent skin care regimen. Your dermatologist will suggest medicated cleansers or moisturizers based on your skin tone and acne triggers. Most products suggested by your dermatologist will include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alcohol and acetone.
Treating Moderate and Severe Acne
For moderate acne or severe acne, your dermatologist may prescribe acne medication in addition to a consistent skin care regimen. These medications often include antibiotics or hormonal medications. To add convenience to your dermatologist appointment, we offer acne medication in office, such as tretinoin cream (0.025%) that can be picked up immediately following your appointment.
Common acne medications for moderate and severe acne include:
- Tretinoin Cream (0.025% and .1%)
- Dapsone Gel
- Clindamycin 1% Lotion
- Adapalene Gel
- Acne Wash
- Isotretinoin
If you’re unsure which type of acne you are experiencing, schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists using the form below to discuss your best treatment options. Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, cosmetic, and pediatric dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see our three locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.