There are many different types of acne that people may suffer from. Some of them are very mild and can be easily treated, while others are very hard to combat and often lead to severe disfiguring. Basically the treatment of your acne will depend on the type that you have. So let us learn more about it.
Whiteheads can range from mild to moderate. They occur when the pores get clogged due to oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. They have a white appearance on the surface. You would definitely feel like popping them but it is best to resist the temptation, as they have a short lifecycle. Treat them with benzoyl peroxide creams or cleansers.
Blackheads on the other hand are caused due to partially blocked pores, which allow some of the oil, bacteria and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color that you see on the top is a result of your skin's pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. Blackheads are among those types of acne that take a long time to clear.
Then there are the Papules. These are inflamed, red and tender bumps with no heads. Again squeezing will do no good and will cause scarring.
Pustules are very similar to whiteheads in appearance. The difference is that they are inflamed and appear as red circles with white or yellow center. They can range from mild to moderate.
Nodules are among the severe types of acne. They appear as large hard bumps under the skin's surface. They are also quite painful and scarring is common. Under no circumstances should you squeeze them. It is best to consult a dermatologist at the first outbreak of nodules. They can last for months and unresolved nodules can always flare up again.
Cysts are also a severe form of acne. They are just like nodules except that they are filled with pus and usually have a diameter of 5mm or more. They are painful and scarring is very common. Squeezing can cause the infection to penetrate deeper in the skin so it is best to avoid doing it. Consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Acne Conglobata is another severe form of acne. It is more common in males and usually starts between 18 and 30 years of age. Acne Conglobata appears as numerous large lesions, which are often interconnected and have many blackheads. Face, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs are the places where they usually occur. Consult a dermatologist for treatment.
The above mentioned acnes are some of the most common types of acne that people all across the world suffer from. Understanding the types and the causes of zits can help us fight them better.