Wednesday 5 November 2014

Acne - Three Most Common Types

by Michael Russell

 Acne has plagued people forever.  By developing a better understanding of the type of acne that you may have, you give yourself the ability to treat it more efficiently.  Those different sized and colored bumps that appear on our faces can belong to the most common group of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, or sometimes even a very severe form of acne.  Within these three groups you will find individual types of pimples or lesions.  This article will expand on the two very most common forms of acne known as acne vulgaris and acne rosacea.  I hope this article will help you to better classify your type of acne so that you may be able to treat your acne problems successfully. 

Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne that people experience.  The type of lesions that fall into this group include, whiteheads, pustules, blackheads and papules.  Sometimes in a more sever case of acne vulgaris you will have nodules and cysts. 

Whiteheads can be very small white spots or so small that they are not visible to the naked eye.  Whiteheads are formed when a pore is blocked and dead skin cells, bacteria and oil are trapped causing a white spot on the surface of the skin.  

Pustules are similar to whiteheads, but are inflamed and often red with a yellow or white middle.  These are what we commonly refer to as zits.  Most people have a hard time restraining themselves from squeezing or popping whiteheads and pustules.  If pimples are at the surface little or no harm will be done if taken care of properly.  

Blackheads form when the pore is partially blocked allowing the dead skin cells, bacteria and oils to slowly emerge to the skin surface.  Contrary to common belief, blackheads are not black due to dirt.  The black color is a result of the skin's pigment reacting with oxygen in the air.  Blackheads can be a very lasting structure and therefore take a long time to disappear. 

Papules are similar to pustules in that they are red, inflamed bumps, but they have no head.  Papules should not be squeezed because they can worsen scaring. 

In the more sever cases of acne vulgaris you will see nodules and cysts.  Nodules are much larger acne spots that the previously mentioned types.  They are very hard bumps under the surface of the skin and therefore tend to cause scarring if squeezed.  Now only will squeezing these types of lesions create scars, but it can cause the lesion to last for several months longer than it would have if left alone. 

Acne cysts are similar in appearance to nodules but they are pus-filled and are 5mm or more in width.  Just like nodules, they can be painful, cause permanent scars and last much longer than normal if irritated.  If you experience nodules or cysts on your skin you should seek the care of a dermatologist

Acne rosacea is often confused with acne vulgaris because the acne spots can look very similar.  However, rosacea is more often found in people over the age of 30 and appears as a red rash on the chin, forehead, nose or cheeks.  This tends to be more of a problem for women than men.  Rosacea should be treated by a doctor to avoid serious swelling of the nose or a growth of excess tissue. 

Severe forms of acne are very uncommon but can be very detrimental for those who experience it.  Acne conglobata, acne fulminans, gram-negative folliculits and pyoderma faciale all fall into this category.  Severe acne should absolutely be treated by a dermatologist

Acne can put a damper on anyone's fun or ego.  By better understanding the type of acne that you may suffer from you can find and utilize a regimen that can work it's magic on your skin.  Very few people suffer from severe acne, so for those of you who don't you can have more beautiful and radiant skin.



Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acne

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Acne---Three-Most-Common-Types/69863

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