Sooner or later every teen will ask the question: What is Acne? The best definition for this condition is that follicles, usually known as pores blocked by the pore itself collapsing on itself and the sedum oil trapped inside allows bacteria to grow. Both whiteheads and blackheads, which are skin blemishes called comedones, are created by this trapped sedum oil, so they are treated the same.
Types of acne are acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, acne conglobata, acne fulminins, gram-negative folliculitis and pyoderma faciale. Acne vulgaris is the most common form and includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. This type of acne ranges from mild to moderate, which include blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules to severe acnes, which includes nodules and cysts. Whiteheads, formed when sebum oil is trapped in a pore along with bacteria and dead skin cells, have a white appearance on the surface of the pore. Blackheads, although similar to whiteheads, are formed when the sebum oil, along with the dead cells and bacteria, are partially trapped. The black color comes from the reaction of the skin’s own pigment to oxygen when the air hits it. Blackheads often take more time to clear up than white heads because they are more stable. Papules are small, red bumps that have no head and are very tender. Pustules are very similar to whiteheads in that they can appear with a white or yellow center. The difference in these is that pustules are inflamed with a red circle around them. The severe type of acne vulgaris includes nodules, which consist of acne spots. These spots are much larger, more painful, last longer, usually for months, and usually scar. Treatment includes a visit to a dermatologist who has ways of lessening the swelling and preventing the scarring. Cysts, the other serious type of acne vulgaris, are similar to a nodule with the difference being that cysts are pus-filed and a much larger. These are also painful, generally scar and also require a trip to a dermatologist to treat.
Acne rosacea although similar in appearance to acne vulgaris, affects women over 30 and is a red rash, normally on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Bumps, pimples and skin blemishes usually accompany this rash. A doctor must treat this type of acne because if it is left untreated it will result other another condition known as rhinophyma.
Acne conglobata, the most severe form of acne vulgaris, is predominantly in males, 18 to 30 years old. Large lesions along with widespread blackheads characterize this type of acne, which can cause damage to the skin and disfiguring scarring. This type of acne is located on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms and thighs. As with other acne treatments, the first move is to contact a dermatologist.
Acne fulminans is the abrupt onset of acne conglobata. This acne shows symptoms of severe nodulocystic, which is ulcerating acne. Disfiguring scarring as well as fever and aching of the joints are common with this acne. As with the other acnes, this one has to be treated by a doctor.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis, a bacterial infection, characterized by pustules and cysts is a rare condition with not much known about it at this time. Treatment of this acne is also a visit to the doctor, with a prescription of isotretinoin.
Pyoderma Faciale, affects only females, usually 20-40 years old, is confined to the face, is characterized by painful large nodules, pustules and sores, and can cause scarring. This acne generally lasts less than a year.
Even though many types of acne have been discovered as well as the effective treatments of these types, the causes of acne is still very much a mystery. It has been speculated that the causes are factors such as hormones, diet, evolutionary biology, vitamin deficiency, stress and many more. It is very possible that the real answer is a combination of these factors. However, until the cause can be determined the best way to battle this skin condition is with effective treatment.
