How can you tell which form of acne you have? Is there a
different treatment which is more effective against your
specific form of acne?
Acne can come in many forms. I will try to describe the
various forms of acne as well as explain the distinguishing
characteristics of each.
There are forms of acne which are relatively minor and
there are also some very serious acne conditions as well.
The most minor forms of acne are also the most common.
This most common form of acne is known as 'acne vulgaris'.
Acne lesions that are considered acne vulgaris are
blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules.
- Whiteheads (similar to postules) occur when skin pores
becomes clogged due to trapped oil, bacteria and dead skin
cells. The surface of the skin becomes white. This type of
acne typically has the shortest lifespan.
- Blackheads typically occur when the pores are just
partially blocked by oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.
Blackheads can linger for a long time and take a quite a
while to clear up.
- Papules are red, tender bumps that have become inflamed
but do not have the white appearance on the tip. Papules
can more easily become infected and therefore should not be
squeezed
- Pustules are similar to whiteheads but are inflamed and
have a red circle surrounding the affected area.
Cystic acne is in the class of severe vulgaris can appear
very similar to a nodule but a cyst is pus filled and
usually gets much larger. Cystic acne is very painful and
even if left alone can cause scarring. Squeezing acne cysts
will most likely cause the area to become infected and
cause it to last much longer than if the pimple had been
left alone.
Acne that forms into nodules is also severe and shows up as
spots that are larger and can be rather painful. Nodules
are large, hard bumps under the skin's surface and can last
for up to several months. Squeezing nodular acne will
result in scarring and will also prolong the life of the
pimple.
Acne Rosacea looks very similar to acne vulgaris and
affects millions over the age of thirty. Acne Rosacea is a
red rash, which is found on the cheeks, nose, forehead and
chin. Bumps, pimples, and other skin blemishes accompany
it. This form of acne also causes the blood vessels to
become more visible on the skin. It is more common in women
but more severe for men.
Acne Conglobata is the most severe form of acne. It is
characterized by a lot of large lesions and widespread
blackheads. Left untreated it ill result in severe damage
to the skin and scarring. It is usually found on the face,
chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs.
As with most acne, the cause of this form is also unknown.
Treatment usually includes medication and is sometimes
resistant to treatment. Strong and persistent treatment
will conquer the acne in most cases.
Acne Fulminans is an onset of acne conglobata with symptoms
of severe nodule cysts. Extreme scarring is possible and
even likely. Symptoms may also include a fever and achy
joints. Antibiotics do not typically work with this form of
acne and oral steroids are normally the preferred method of
treatment.
Although there are many types of acne the most common is
the mild acne and is very treatable. Most people outgrow
acne by the time they reach their thirties. If scarring
occurs there are many treatment options for the acne
sufferer.
Prevention of acne is still the best way to avoid any
complications. If you suffer from an acne which seems to be
more troublesome than average acne, a dermatologist will be
able to prescribe a treatment that will lessen the swelling
as well as prevent scarring.
Visit :
http://www.acnetreatment-101.com
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