What Is Acne

Acne can appear on your face, shoulders, buttocks or back and can affect anyone including men, women and children. Acne severity ranges from mild to severe. There are many types of acne that can be classified as inflammatory or non-inflammatory.

Non-Inflammatory acne consists of either a closed comedo or open comedo, also known as a blackhead. A comedo is beneath the skin and is a widened hair follicle that can become blocked with bacteria and oil. It can be open or closed. When it is closed, it becomes a whitehead because it is plugged with bacteria or oil. The closed comedo could eventually become an open comedo wherein the skin widens even further, but it is still plugged. The plugged area then covered by a black mass known as a blackhead. Some people believe a blackhead is just dirt, but this is not true. It is actually melanin, the darker pigment of skin.

Inflammatory acne comes in many different forms including papule, pustule, nodule or cyst or acne conglobata. A papule is a small round bump on the skin, usually raised. It is the least severe type of acne. Once a papule is formed, it's considered non-inflammatory and then usually turns into an inflammatory condition. When puss appears in the papule, it is called a pustule. It is usually red and then white in the middle. This is the point when people are tempted the most to pop or pick at their pimple, but this should be avoided as it could lead to scarring. The most painful type of acne is known as a nodule or cyst. They are pimples, but they are the deep rooted pimples that also contain puss. They can linger on your skin for long periods of time and usually harden. This is a severe type of acne as it could lead to scarring. The last type of inflammatory acne is acne conglobata, the most severe type. Acne conglobata can be persistent on your face, buttocks, back or chest. They can be extremely painful, puss filled and hard.

Acne can be an extremely frustrating condition to have. Take comfort in knowing that it is not your fault. The true cause of acne is relatively unknown. However, it can be caused from genetics or hormones. A pimple begins two to three weeks before it ever appears on the surface. No matter your skin care regime, pimples start from within.

It can be difficult to determine what type of acne you have. It is best to leave it to your dermatologist or family physician. While there is no cure for acne, there are many treatments available including medications and topical creams. Speak with your doctor about the right treatment for you, but remember, that it can be a long and daunting process to get rid of it completely. Try not to let it get you down. It's easy to lose self confidence when you have acne and you tend to want to avoid social situations. People may notice your skin, but you are your worst critic.