Acne Medication and Advice: Acne A To Z

Acne varieties range from the mild to severe and can breakout on different parts of the body and in different forms. Mild acne can usually be self-treated, but a health care professional, such as a dermatologist, should treat severe cases.

Acne Vulgaris

Acne Vulgaris is the most common type of acne. Indeed the term literally means 'common acne.' This form of acne can cause blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

- Blackheads occur in partially blocked pores. Sebum (the substance that causes oily skin), dead cells, and bacteria are slowly draining to the surface of the skin. The skin pigments being exposed to air cause the black color. They can take a long time to clear up.

- Whiteheads, unlike blackheads, are contained beneath the surface of the skin. Completely blocked pores that trap the sebum, dead cells, and bacteria cause them.

- Nodules are much larger than other forms of acne. They are hard lumps that form beneath the skin surface and they can be painful and last for months. This type of acne is particularly vulnerable to scarring, so it is advisable to have it treated by a dermatologist.

- Cysts are similar to nodules except that they are filled with pus. They are painful and likely to scar if left untreated, so a dermatologist should treat them.

- Pustules are what people commonly refer to as pimples or zits. They emerge as a red circle with a white or yellow center.

- Papules are small red bumps on the skin. They are tender and cause irritation. It's critical that they not be touched or squeezed as it may cause scarring.

Acne Rosacea

This form of acne typically affects people over age 30. It causes a red facial rash that covers the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. There may be pimples and other skin blemishes as well. It occurs less often in males than females, although men often have the more severe reaction.

Pyoderma Faciale Acne

This only affects females, usually between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually it occurs in women who have never had acne before and it generally clears up within a year. It causes large painful facial nodules, pustules, and cysts that may leave permanent scarring.

Acne Conglobata

A fairly rare form of acne vulgaris, it is particularly disfiguring. Large lesions form on the face, upper arms, chest, buttocks, back, and thighs. It can combine with an outbreak of blackheads. This rare acne causes skin damage and permanent scarring and can persist for several years, resulting in severe psychological as well as physical suffering. It is more common in males.

Acne Fulminans

Acne Fulminans is Acne Conglobata, accompanied by aching joints and fever. It is usually treated with oral steroids.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis

This condition may actually be caused by long-term antibiotic treatment of acne. It is a bacterial infection that causes pustules and cysts.