Types of Acne
The term acne, in totality, does not mean JUST pimples.
Acne is a term for plugged pores (blackheads, whiteheads),
pimples and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules), that occur on the
face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms.
There are several variations of acne that skin experts
coined. Here are some.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne Vulgaris (common acne) includes several types
of lesions, usually called blackhead, whitehead, papules, pustules,
nodules and cyst.
Mild to moderate acne vulgaris is characterized by:
Blackheads- are caused by partially
blocked pores. The black appearance is caused by melanin pigment from
dead skin cells. Blackheads tend to be stable structures, and often
take a long time to clear.
Whiteheads- are caused by completely
blocked pores. The white appearance is caused by the bacteria inside
turning the sebum into free fatty acid. The whitehead differs in color
from the blackhead because the opening of the plugged sebaceous follicle
to the skin’s surface is closed or very narrow, in contrast
to the distended follicular opening of the blackhead.
Neither blackheads nor whiteheads should be squeezed
or picked open, unless extracted by a dermatologist under sterile
conditions. Tissue injured by squeezing or picking can become infected
by staphylococci, streptococci and other skin bacteria.
Papules- are small, red, tender bumps
or spots. A group of very small papules and microcomedones may be
almost invisible but have a "sandpaper" feel to the touch.
A papule is caused by localized cellular reaction to the process of
acne.
Pustules- are larger, red and inflamed-pus
filled spots.
On the other hand, severe acne vulgaris is characterized
by:
Nodules- are large and hard bumps
under the skin’s surface. Unlike a papule, a nodule is characterized
by inflammation, extends into deeper layers of the skin and may cause
tissue destruction that results in scarring. A nodule may be very
painful.
Cysts- are similar to nodules but
can be severely inflamed and infected.
Rosacea (ro-ZAY-she-ah) sometimes called "Adult
Acne" occurs in people of all ages, especially older woman when
they go through menopause. However, two famous people with the affliction
include W.C. Fields and US President Bill Clinton.
Acne Rosacea is a variant that typically causes a
red nose and is more common in older people than in young people,
mostly affecting those who are aged 30 and above.
It commonly appears as red rash, which are normally
confined, to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The redness is often
accompanied by bumps and pimples. Blood vessels may also become more
visible on the skin. People with this kind of acne rarely have pimples.
These flashes can be triggered by certain foods like spicy foods and
alcohol.
Adult acne must be treated differently than adolescent
acne because older skin is generally drier and more sensitive. Dr.
Perricone's book The Acne Prescription offers alternative treatments
for adult acne, including a strict diet and topicals containing alpha
lipoic acid.
Variations of Severe Acne
Severe forms or acne affects few people. However,
they present great hardship to the people who suffer. They are extremely
disfiguring and can cause psychological effects on the sufferer.
Acne conglobata
Acne conglobata is a chronic and severe form of acne
vulgaris (common acne). It is usually characterized by deep abscesses,
severe inflammation, severe damage to the skin, scarring, blackheads
are usually conspicuous and widespread. It often appears on the face,
chest, back, thighs, upper arms and buttocks. It usually affects those
whose age is between 18-30 years old.
In acne conglobata, inflammatory nodules form around
multiple comedones, gradually increasing in size until they break
down and discharge pus. Deep ulcers may form under the nodules, leading
to keloid-type scars, and crusts may form over deeply ulcerated nodules
Acne conglobata may be preceded by acne cyst, papules
or pustules that do not heal, but instead rapidly deteriorate. Occasionally,
acne conglobata flares up in acne that had been dormant for many years.
Acne fulminans
Acne fulminans is a sudden onset of highly destructive
inflammation, which normally afflicts young men. Symptoms of severe
nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne, aching joints and fever are apparent.
It may result from unsuccessful treatment of acne conglobata.
It does not respond well to antibiotics, so accutane
and oral steroids are normally prescribed. Corticosteroids or non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medications may be given to reduce inflammation.
Attacks of acne fulminans may recur, and the patient may develop acne
that requires long-term treatment with isotretinoin.
Gram-negative folliculitis
Gram-negative folliculitis is a complication of abused
and long- term use of antibiotic. Patients with this type of acne
are usually treated with accutane since it is known to be effective
against gram- negative bacteria.
The word “Gram” refers to a blue stain
used in laboratories to detect microscopic organisms. Certain bacteria
do not stain blue and are called “Gram negative.”
Pyoderma faciale
Pyoderma faciale is the type of acne that affects
females mainly belonging to the 20-40 age groups. It is confined to
the face, appears suddenly as both deep and superficial cystic lesions
of the face with interconnecting "tunnels" between cysts,
reddish inflammation of the skin, and slight swelling (edema) of the
skin, rarely persists more than a year or so, and is not associated
with oily skin.
Severe types of acne cannot be remedied at home. Take
my word or it. Go and see your doctor or dermatologist before your
condition worsen. Remember that beautiful skin reflects satisfactory
health.
