Acne is the term for plugged pores (
blackheads and (
whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (
cysts or
nodules) that occur on the entire body but more commonly seen on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. As skin continues to produce more oil, the surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your body fights back. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; many adults have acne throughout their lives even into their 40's or 50's. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Though all pimples start the same way, they can take many forms and may react differently for different people.
TYPES OF ACNE
Non-inflammatory
Whitehead (also called closed
comdeo): When a plug in the
follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the
lesion is called a closed
comdeo, or
whitehead. These usually appear on the skin as small, white bumps.
Blackhead (also called open
comedo): A plugged pore that enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin. The dark color is due to a buildup of natural occurring dark pigment found in skin.
Inflammatory
Papule: This is the mildest form of
inflammatory acne and appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump. This elevation of the skin does not contain pus but can be sore and tender.
Pustule: A pimple; small inflamed elevation of the skin that is filled with pus. They are normally red at the base, with a yellowish or whitish center.
Pustules often contain some bacteria which contribute to inflammation that is primarily caused by chemical irritation from
sebum components such as free fatty acids.
Nodule (also called
cyst):
Nodules develop when the contents of a
comedo have spilled into the surrounding skin and the local immune system responds, producing pus. Usually large and very painful,
nodules are inflamed, pus-filled
lesions lodged deep within the skin. It is the most severe form of acne
lesion, and may persist for weeks or months. Both
nodules and
cysts often leave scars.
Acne Conglobata: This rare but serious form of
inflammatory acne is the most severe form of
acne vulgaris and is most common in males. It is characterized by numerous large
lesions, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread
blackheads. It can cause severe, irrevocable damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring. It is found on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. The age of onset for acne conglobata is usually between 18 and 30 years, and the condition can stay active for many years.