No one enjoys the presence of acne on their skin. This makes it important to understand the most effective treatment to remove acne from the skin. However, there are many different types of acne. Identifying some of the most common types of acne can help you to determine the best possible treatment for your acne. If you suffer with acne, it will likely be beneficial to consult with a dermatologist in order to ensure the best treatment for your condition.
Different Types of Acne
Since there are different types of acne, there are different treatments that will be most effective for the various types of acne. Identifying the type of acne that you have can help you to ensure that you use the best possible treatment for your skin condition. It is important to keep in mind that acne tends to be separated into two types, known as non-inflammatory and inflammatory. There are generally 6 different acne kinds that are categorized as either inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Here are the most common types of acne.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are one of the non-inflammatory variations of acne. They are characterized by a white bump on the surface of the skin. Whiteheads form because the pores in the skin are clogged. The main difference between whiteheads and blackheads is that the pores are clogged all the way through when it comes to whiteheads. This means that both the length and the head of the pore are clogged. Whiteheads can’t be removed by popping. Attempting to do so can lead to scarring on the skin. Many OTC treatments can help deal with whiteheads. The most common of these tend to be sulfur, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is often the most effective, while sulfur remedies tend to be the easiest on the skin. All of these treatments help to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, which helps to remove clogs and prevent additional clogs from occurring.
Blackheads
Blackheads are another type of acne that is considered non-inflammatory. These blackheads can be identified by the presence of a black bump on the surface of the skin. These types of acne occur when the head of the pore is open, but the length of the pore is clogged. Though blackheads may be removed through popping, these processes can lead to scars. They likely follow the same treatment as whiteheads. If you are having difficulty removing blackheads from your skin, you should consult with our office to obtain a plan for restoring the health of your skin.
Papules
Papules are one of the inflammatory kinds of acne. This type can be identified by the presence of small, red bumps. They form when oil or excess skin cells build up and block a pore. This blockage then mixes with the bacteria that are already present on the skin. The contents of the pore then spill out, which creates an inflamed lesion. This type of acne doesn’t contain pus. Benzoyl peroxide may still be useful for handling papules, because it contains antibacterial properties. However, if this method doesn’t work, it may be necessary to obtain a prescription from your dermatologist. Many various treatments can be used, such as antibiotics to help handle the presence of bacteria or birth control to minimize the oil secretion on the skin.
Pustules
Pustules are another inflammatory type of acne. This kind of acne features small, bulging bumps with a white center. This white center is then surrounded by red, inflamed skin. Pustules often appear in clusters on the face, chest, or back. Pustules tend to result from a blocked pore becoming infected. It is important to note that this kind of acne does contain a yellowish fluid that is known as pus. Popping of the pustules can cause the acne to spread to the surrounding skin. In order to handle pustules, it is likely that you will require the same processes and treatment as papules.
Nodules
Nodules are yet another kind of inflammatory acne. These result in flesh-colored or red bumps that are located deep under the surface of the skin. These infections are present deep within the pore, which means that over the country treatments usually don’t work, because they tend to be more effective for use on the surface of the skin. To deal with nodules, it is likely that you will have to consult with the dermatologist for appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics to help handle the infection.
Cysts
Cysts are an inflammatory type of acne. Cystic acne is often considered the most severe form of acne, which may require the services of a dermatologist to effectively resolve. Cystic acne results from an infection that is located deep within the skin. This leads to large, inflamed, red, painful, and pus-filled bumps. Cysts often burst, which leads to infection of the surrounding skin. If you think that you may be experiencing cystic acne, it is likely that you will need to schedule an appointment with our office to have a professional check out the type of acne and identify the best possible treatment.
Common Causes of Acne
Understanding the common causes of acne will help you to prevent it from occurring in the first place as much as possible. Acne can be caused by an excess of the androgen hormone. This hormone production may need to be controlled in order to prevent acne. Hormone fluctuations, such as those associated with pregnancy, can lead to acne. A genetic history with acne, such as parents who have also experienced acne, often leads to acne. Excessive oil production can also result in pores becoming clogged, which causes acne. Increased stress levels can result in increased oil production, which is why many people associate stress with the development of acne. Bacteria can also result in acne.
Understanding the various types of acne can help you to devise the best treatment for your acne. Here at Allen-Taintor Dermatology, we offer an array of services to protect the health of your skin. Our experts can help identify the different types of acne and provide the treatment that you need to protect your skin. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!