With over 10 types of pimples you want to make sure that you have the correct diagnosis so you know how to treat your acne accordingly.
Here is some information about the various types of pimples:
Acne Vulgaris is the most common acne affecting 60-70% of Americans at some time during their lives. Twenty percent of Americans have severe acne with permanent physical and mental scarring; however this does not have to be the case if treatment is administered at the first signs of flair up. Each person is a little different from the next so treatments vary upon the type and severity of your acne.
Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris is made up of the proceeding types of pimples:
Whiteheads form when a pore is completely blocked, entrapping sebum (oil), bacteria and dead skin cells. Since the air is unable to reach the follicle it causes a white appearance on the surface. Whiteheads are normally dissipated within a shorter life cycle than blackheads.
Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to gradually make its way to the surface. It is interesting that the black color of the blackhead is not caused by dirt. For the most part it is the skin’s pigment, melanin, interacting with the air’s oxygen. Blackheads are much more stable structures, allowing them to take much longer time to clear than whiteheads.
Papules are the inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. It is highly recommended to Never squeeze papules do to the outcome of scaring.
Pustules are inflamed and show up as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety zit.
Severe Acne Vulgaris
Severe Acne Vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts:
Nodules: As unlike the information on lesions noted above, nodular acne is spots of acne which can be much larger, quite painful and can last for several months. Nodules are bigger, solid bumps beneath the skin’s surface. Scarring is very common with this type of pimple. Nodules that go without treatment can result in an impaction which can flare up from time to time. The worst thing you can do if this occurs is to squeeze it. It is likely that you will cause serious harm to the skin and the lesion may persist for a number of months longer than would have been typical. It is recommended that treatment be sought from a dermatologist where they can administer a shot of cortisone to reduce any inflammation as well as the chance of scarring.
Cysts: An acne cyst appears almost similar to a nodule but is pus-filled, and is explained as having a diameter of 5mm or more across. It is common for people with Cystic Acne to have scarring and the acne itself is quite painful. Do not squeeze an acne cyst. It will create more problems like causing the infection to spread as it goes deeper into the skin; more painful inflammation which will last much longer than if you had left it alone. Dermatologists usually have ways to reduce swelling and take preventative measures to reduce the chances of scarring scarring, such as administering a cortisone shot.
Rosacea is commonly mistaken for Acne Vulgaris do to the similarity in features. Rosacea appears in the form of a reddish rash and is usually limited to the chin, cheeks, nose and forehead and it affects millions. Rosacea is most common in the people in the 30 year old age bracket. Is it common for the redness to come along with bumps, pimples and skin imperfections and blemishes. There are reports that the blood vessels being to be more apparent through the skin. Interestingly, if is not common that a person with Rosacea will also have blackheads. It more commonly found in females yet often more severe when found in males. This condition left untreated could cause swelling of the nose along with excessive growth tissue, a condition called Rhinophyma. Rosacea is frequently treated differently than Acne and so if you suspect that you have Rosacea you should contact a dermatologist right away.
Severe forms of acne
Severe forms of acne are rare, but inflict such hardship on those people who experience them.
Acne Conglobata: It is interesting that the most severe type of acne is found in males. It is discriminated by the presence of many big lesions, which are sometimes joined, along with many blackheads. It can cause severe, irreversible damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring. This unfortunate type of acne is found from your thighs up “Thighs, buttocks back, chest and face.” Acne Conglobata can show up as early as 18 and usually no later than 30, however this condition can stay active for several years after. As with all forms of acne, the cause of Acne Conglobata is unknown. The most common treatment is Isotretinoin (Accutane). Acne Conglobata has been known to be resistant to treatment but results are promising that it can be managed with aggressive consistent treatment for a period of time.
Acne Fulminans: This is the sudden flair up of Acne Conglobata which normally affects young men. Symptoms are severe nodulocystic and often ulcerating acne is apparent. The same is true with Acne Conglobata. There is often acute disfiguring scarring. Acne Fulminans is unique in that it also includes a fever and aching of the joints. Acne Fulminans is one of the types of pimples that does not respond well to antibiotics. The typical situation is that Accutane Isotretinoin will be prescribed.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication resulting from a long term antibiotic treatment of Acne Vulgaris. It is a rare condition, and we do not know if it is more common in males or females at this time. Fortunately, Isotretinoin (Accutane) is often effective in combating Gram-Negative Folliculitis.
Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans): This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by large painful nodules, pustules and sores, all of which may scar. It begins abruptly, and may occur on the skin of a woman who has never had acne before. It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a very short time. The most common prescriptions given by physicians are Accutane Isotretenoin and systemic corticosteroids.
To be diagnosed properly is so important since your acne treatment will be determined by which of the types of pimples you have.
