Types of Acne
1BChapter 2 — The Truth About Acne 29
Types of Acne
When we define types of acne , we usually refer to whether it is inflammatory or not and the size and shape of the lesion .
There are the microscopic small comedonal acne that can be in the form of whiteheads ( closed comedo ) or blackheads ( open comedo ).
A more serious formation of acne is nodules and pustules . Nodules are large and firm and exist below the skin , whereas pustules are yellowish bumps that are pus-filled .
There are acne forms which are non-inflammatory , carry no pus but only appear as red spots . These are commonly referred to as pimples .
Of all acne cases , cysts are the worst . Cysts are sac-like formations filled with pus that is spread under the skin tissue in a diameter of 5 mm or more across . The pus runs deep below the skin ’ s surface , which often results in serious pain . Not all cysts are caused by inner factors . Some may be the result of squeezing small pus-filled acne , causing the pus to run even deeper into the skin and aggravating the infection .
Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne , containing both whiteheads and blackheads .
Acne rosacea is characterized by a flushed appearance of the face due to the enlargement of blood vessels which is caused by inflammatory bumps . The most common places acne rosacea appears are on the chin and forehead .
Perioral dermatitis is the form of acne which young women suffer from . The common places where these tiny papules appear are around the mouth and on the chin .
Acne conglobata is another severe form of acne that affects the chest , back and the face . This is an intensive form of acne vulgaris where multiple cysts and nodules are spread in large areas . Acne conglobata is more common among men .
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