Types of Acne: A Simple Explanation

Since there are different types of acne, it makes sense that before you go to treat it you understand them all.  By being educated about all the acne types that you choose the appropriate help to control and/or cure it.

Acne vulgaris is the most common types of acne. It develops when oil and dead skin clog up pores.  It also goes by different names: blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or zits and blemishes. When a person has just a couple of zits or pimples it is considered as a mild form of acne.

When an individual has hundreds of zits that cover all parts of their body, it is considered a severe acne problem, and is called acne conglobata. It can cause severe, irrevocable damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring.  Here, bigger, solid red lumps are cysts and can be painful. 

Youth usually means that you can get at least a mild case of acne.  As a rule, this improves after the teen years.  However, acne can carry on for some adult females prior to menstrual periods.

Each individual feels differently about acne.  Some people with severe cases are not the least bothered by it.  On the other hand, there are others that are embarrassed by just a few zits.

Acne rosacea looks very similar to acne vulgaris.  It affects people over the age of thirty. It normally appears as a red rash on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. The rash is usually accompanied by bumps, pimples and blemishes. Blood vessels may become more prominent on the skin.

Blackheads do not play a role in acne rosacea.  It is more prevalent in females. Whereas, in males more severe. Untreated, if can lead to swelling of the nose and excessive tissue growth, aptly named rhinophyma. 

There is a certain type of acne that only affects babies. This type of acne is known as infantile, or baby acne. This is usually caused by hormonal changes that occurred as the fetus was developing.  Even left untreated, it is a condition that usually clears itself up in a matter of weeks.

These are only the basic types of acne.  Now days, there are many excellent and effective treatments that can help a person get their acne under control.  Each type of acne has specific treatment. If unsure, consult your physician, or dermatologist.