Acne is often characterised by redness, scarring, and various types of lesions on the skin which could be confined to the face, but can also appear on the shoulders, neck, and several other parts of the body. It may be quite easy to identify someone who has acne, but the question then is, which form of acne do they have? This article takes a look at the different types of acne, from the common to the rarer, more severe types.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne Vulgaris is an umbrella term for several different types of common acne, headed up by mild comedomes called whiteheads and blackheads. Both these types of acne are formed from excess oil production which clogs up pores and has bacteria forming behind them. This process generally occurs because of high hormone and stress levels. Papules and pustules are also thought to be relatively mild forms of acne vulgaris, the former characterised by red, tender, inflamed bumps on the skin, the latter are inflamed red circles with a pus filled centre. All of these types of acne are relatively painless.
More severe forms of acne vulgaris, namely nodules and cysts can be longer lasting, more painful, and cause more damage to the skin. Nodules are much larger/harder and although cysts are similar in appearance they also contain pus, and an infection that can move deeper into the skin if squeezing is attempted. A dermatologist can provide the best forms of treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring, especially for the more severe forms of acne vulgaris.
Acne Rosacea
This type of acne is often mistaken for acne vulgaris, though it has somewhat different characteristics. It’s frequently found in women over the age of 30, and appears as a red rash on the face, along with pimples and blemishes. This is one form of acne that definitely should not be left untreated as it can cause excess tissue growth and swelling around the nose.
Very Severe Forms Of Acne
There are four types of acne classed as very severe, including acne conglobata, one of the worst forms of acne vulgaris. This form of acne can have irreparable damage on the skin, and can be found on several parts of the body. The large lesions and spread of blackheads need long term aggressive treatment. There’s also acne fulminans which affects the skin and gives you aching joints/a fever, while gram negative folliculitis infects the skin with pus and cysts. It’s also one of the rarest forms of acne which is thought to flare up sometimes during antibiotic treatment of common acne types. Lastly, a severe form of acne found only on females called pyoderma faciale. This can last up to a year and sees nodules, pustules, sores and scarring form on the skin.
If you feel you may have any of these types of acne, particularly the more severe types, do not try and squeeze or remove them yourself, but seek medical advice as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Although some types of acne can be unresponsive to treatment, there is a lot that can be done to control the symptoms in these cases, and reduce/remove the acne and acne scars in others.
